Tree Preservation Orders and Trees in Conservation Areas

A Tree Preservation Order (TPO) is an order made by a local planning authority which makes it an offence to cut down, top, lop, uproot, wilfully damage or wilfully destroy a tree without the planning authority's permission.

TPOs can apply to individual trees, groups, areas of trees or entire woods. They may also apply to trees within hedgerows, but not to hedges, bushes or shrubs.

Trees in conservation areas are subject to similar controls as trees to which a TPO applies. It is an offence to cut down, top, lop, uproot, wilfully damage or wilfully destroy a tree within a conservation area without the planning authority's permission. However, permission is not required for trees with a diameter less than 7.5 centimetres (measured 1.5 meters above ground level), or 10 centimetres if thinning is intended to support the growth of other trees.

Apply for consent for works to trees subject to a TPO or within a conservation here: Apply for Planning Permission

Further information and guidance on protected trees:

Protected Trees: A Guide to Tree Preservation Procedures

Technical Advice Notice (TAN) 10: Tree Preservation Orders   

You can access the local planning authority's records of TPOs and conservation areas in the provided spatial map:

Tree Preservation Orders Tree Preservation Orders

Please note that Bannau Brycheiniog falls outside the jurisdiction of Powys Local Planning Authority. For any trees within this area, please contact the National Park directly.