A Tree Preservation Order (TPO) is a legally enforceable order made by the Local Planning Authority, in this case the NPA, to protect trees and woodland in the interests of public amenity. The power to make a TPO is currently contained in the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and the Town and Country (Tree Preservation) (England) Regulations 2012. Wilful damage or destruction is prohibited. Work to a tree protected by a TPO is prohibited without prior permission from the Local Planning Authority (NPA), although there are a number of exceptions to this.
