North York Moors National Park
 

Planning

Tree Preservation Orders

 

The National Park Authority has a legal obligation to protect trees and is able to make a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) to protect the special amenity value of a tree, group of trees or woodland. For a list of TPOs within the North York Moors National Park click here. To see the approximate location of the TPOs within the North York Moors National Park click here, please note this link will take you to the joint National Park Portal Geographic Information System (GIS) where the locations can be found.

Please note if you are in any doubt about whether trees are protected please contact the Authority's Woodland Officers.

If an owner then wishes to fell trees or cut back any branches on a tree covered by a TPO, it is necessary to apply to the National Park Authority giving details of the proposal and to obtain written permission before carrying out the work. You can download a Tree Preservation Order Application Form by clicking here. 

Please note that this form should be printed out and filled in by hand. Please don't try and fill it in on the screen because unfortunately this isn't possible at the current time. If you would rather fill in and submit the application form online please see http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/

For further guidance on applying for work to protected trees click here.

Details supplied should be clear enough to identify the tree or trees to be felled or managed and should specify clearly what work will be done.

Poor tree surgery can have a serious affect on tree health and so it is normally expected that work will be carried out in accordance with: BS 3998: 1989 Recommendations for Tree Works. Employing a qualified tree surgeon is also recommended.

Where felling is agreed it is usually a requirement to replace each tree felled.

If a tree is dead or dangerous, work may be carried out without permission. However, at least 5 days notice is still required unless the work is an emergency. It is still in an owner's interest to consult with the National Park before carrying out emergency work on a protected tree because unauthorised work could result in prosecution.

Felling licences still apply to TPOs.

Detailed information about TPOs can be accessed from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister in Tree Preservation Orders: A Guide to the Law and Good Practice at http://www.communities.gov.uk/index.asp?id=1127782

  • For further help or advice contact us or telephone Paul Harris at the National Park Office, Helmsley, (01439) 770657.