Tree Preservation Orders

Mrs. Spelman
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether tree protection orders may be placed on a tree or series of trees prior to a planning application that would result in the trees being removed or cut down.

Ruth Kelly
I have been asked to reply.

A tree preservation order (TPO) may be made to safeguard trees on a potential development site in the interests of amenity. This ensures that the effect of any proposed development on trees would be properly considered by the local planning authority alongside other material considerations. If full planning permission is subsequently granted, the TPO would not prevent any felling or pruning needed to implement the approved development.