We are bringing forward a package of measures through the Planning Bill, secondary legislation and revised guidance to improve the protection given to trees. In particular, we will be making it clearer in our guidance that trees of historic and cultural value can be protected as well as trees with visual amenity. We also intend to remove exemptions for dying trees and restricting the works that can be undertaken to dangerous trees to that necessary to remove the danger, which will significantly increase the protection of veteran trees.
The Department will be setting up a working group to assist with the preparation of revised guidance on the operation of the Tree Preservation Order system, and to explore whether a voluntary register of trees might help to further protect trees of special importance.