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Tree preservation orders

Tandridge District has about 650 tree preservation orders (TPOs) throughout the area and they vary enormously in size and form. TPO can protect hundreds of trees (as with Warlingham Park Hospital - now developed for housing) or it may be as important on another site to protect just one valuable tree. During the past few years the Council has made an average of 25 new tree preservation orders every year, and the Council has published guidelines which explain how the TPO system is administered within the Tandridge District.

IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR OWNERS OF ALL TREES SUBJECT TO A TREE PRESERVATION ORDER (TPO)

From the 6^th April 2012 new Regulations (This link will open in a new window) will come into force that make significant changes to the TPO process, and which affect both new and existing TPOs. The changes affecting existing TPOs will:

1. mean that all existing TPOs are now subject to the new Regulations and the related provisions. Therefore the only relevant content within a TPO made prior to April 6th 2012 will be that which relates to the identification of the trees;
2. provide a common system for compensation claims arising out of the refusal of consent or imposition of conditions, based on the current provisions that applied only to TPOs made after 1999;
3. qualify the scope of exempted works and the notification for such works (particularly in respect of dead, dying and dangerous trees), so that an exemption applies only to dead trees, dead branches on living trees and to the extent that such works are urgently necessary to remove an immediate risk of serious harm, or to such other extent as agreed in writing by the Council prior to the works being undertaken.

In addition, where 3 applies, notice in writing of the proposed activities must be given to the Council

   (a)   in the case of works urgently necessary to remove an immediate risk of serious harm, as soon as practicable after the works become necessary; and

   (b)   in any other case at least five working days prior to the date on which the works are to be commenced.

Finding out if a tree is protected

You can check to see if a property or a particular tree has a Tree Preservation Order (or within a Conservation Area) by looking at the Local View (This link will open in a new window) map system or by contacting Customer Services on 01883 722000.

Obtaining a copy of a tree preservation order

You can obtain a copy of a Tree Preservation Order from the Council. The copy will include the legal document and a plan indicating which trees are the subject of the order. Please write to Customer Services at the address below with details of the Order. Alternatively copies can be downloaded via the Local View (This link will open in a new window) map system: (Address search/In the area tab/scroll down to find TPOs/select relevant TPO)

Making an application for tree works

If you would like to apply for works to protected trees it is now a requirement that you use the national standard form. The form is available via our Planning application forms web page (form number 31). Please take time to read the TPO Applications Guidance Notes (This link will open in a new window) before completing your application.

Alternatively an electronic application can be made through the Planning Portal (This link will open in a new window).

In accordance with the best practice advice published in the current British Standard 3998:2010 (Tree work - Recommendations), and in line with the TPO Applications Guidance Notes (This link will open in a new window), Tandridge District Council may not validate applications that present crown reduction works specifications in percentage terms. To avoid ambiguity, the specified end result should be stated either as the tree-height and branch-spread which are to remain, or the average equivalent in branch length reduction (in metres). End results should be specified for individual branches if the growth pattern of the tree creates a need for this, or where clearance from a specified object is required (see Para 7.7.2 of BS 3998:2010)

A copy of the British Standard 3998:2010 Tree work - Recommendations can be obtained online from the British Standards Institute (This link will open in a new window).

Once a valid application has been received, adjoining owners will be consulted for their views which will be taken into account. If the application involves the felling of a protected tree the matter may be decided at Committee, other works may be decided by Officers, although particularly controversial applications may also be referred to Committee.

The Council will then write to tell you whether permission has been granted or refused.

It is the aim of this Council to decide all applications within an 8 week time period, unless an extension of time is agreed with the applicant.

Carrying out the work

You should ensure that you employ a reputable contractor who has adequate insurance. You can find a professional contractor from the Arboricultural Association (This link will open in a new window).

More information

The Department for Communities and Local Government has published a leaflet regarding Tree Preservation Orders and this can be found on the Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG) Tree Preservation (This link will open in a new window) web page. Copies can also be obtained from the tree section, 01883 732869. A leaflet on appeals against refusals to permit work to protected trees is available on the DCLG web page. You can also look at Trees - your questions answered for answers to common questions.

1. For further information please contact Trees on 01883 732869 or e-mail trees@tandridge.gov.uk

   Or write to us at:
   Tandridge District Council
   8 Station Road East
   Oxted RH8 0BT

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