Tree Preservation Orders (TPO)s

Tree Preservation Orders (TPO) can be placed on trees by the local authority to protect them from being needlessly removed or damaged. We are responsible as the local planning authority for Cheshire East for making and enforcing tree preservation orders except where trees are located within the Peak District National Park.

TPOs prohibit the cutting down, uprooting, topping, lopping, wilfully damage or wilful destruction of trees without the consent of the local authority. Offences can be punishable by a fine of up to £20,000 by conviction of a Magistrates Court, or an unlimited fine in the Crown Court in severe cases (see Tree protection offences).

Report a suspected breach of a TPO

You can report a suspected breach of a Tree Preservation Order to our enforcement team by filling in our online form: Report a breach of TPO.

Trees in conservation areas

A conservation area may be defined as an area of special architectural or historical interest, the character or appearance whose qualities Cheshire East aims to preserve or enhance.

All trees, regardless of species, are protected by the conservation area status where the trunk diameter is greater than 75mm when measured at 1.5m above ground level.

If you are planning to carry out work to any tree(s) within a conservation area you will need to give the local planning authority 6 weeks notice of the proposed work.

Consent is normally required to carry out works to trees protected by a TPO, and most trees in conservation areas. A formal application needs to be made to us, using a standard national planning application form.

Applying to carry out work to protected trees

• check to see if your tree is protected by a TPO
• check to see if your tree is located within a conservation area
• apply for works to protected trees
• Guidance on how to complete the application form

Receipt of your application

After we receive your application from the Planning Portal we will send you confirmation that your application has been registered and you will be able to view your application on the Council’s Online Planning Register.

Your application will be assessed and the relevant Parish or Town Council will be consulted. We may also choose to consult others including neighbours if there is a wider public interest.

Copies of TPOs

We can provide copies of TPOs . The cost is £65.00 (including VAT).

We will need to know details of the exact location/address of the tree or trees, and the title of the TPO if you know it (see interactive TPO map).

To order a copy, you can:

• call us on 0300 123 5014 and pay by card
• e-mail planning@cheshireeast.gov.uk with ‘Request for a copy of a TPO ’ in the subject line' and include your phone number so we can contact you for payment
• write to Planning Support, PO Box 606, Municipal Buildings, Earle Street, Crewe, CW1 9HP and include your phone number so we can contact you for payment, or send a cheque made out to Cheshire East Council

More information

Protected trees - a guide to tree preservation procedures  

Town and Country Planning Act 1990 

Town and Country (Tree Preservation) (England) Regulations 2012

Page last reviewed: 23 June 2023