Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs)

The Council protects trees by issuing Tree Preservation Orders (TPO).

A TPO aims to protect trees that make a significant impact on their surroundings, for example, if they are a good example of their species or form an important feature within the local landscape. A TPO can be made by the local planning authority in respect of a tree, group of trees or woodland including hedgerow trees but not hedges, bushes or shrubs. Members of the public may make a formal request for a TPO to be made.

The effect of a TPO is to makes it an offence to cut down, top, lop, uproot, wilfully damage or wilfully destroy a tree without the Council's consent.

Copies of all TPOs are kept at the main Council Offices, Colebrook Street, Winchester and are available for public inspection.

Works on Protected Trees

Anyone wishing to carry out work on a protected tree must apply in writing for consent from Winchester City Council. If you do not own the tree you must also obtain the owner's permission before carrying out the works.

Carrying out work on a protected tree without the Council's consent can result in a criminal prosecution and a hefty fine of up to £20 000. Consent is not required where the tree is dead, dying or dangerous, but the Council should be given five days notice before any works are carried out, unless it is an emergency.

The Council may either grant or withhold consent for works on a tree with a TPO or it may give a conditional consent. Permission to fell a preserved tree usually carries a condition to plant a replacement, which will automatically become the subject of the TPO. The owner has a right of appeal both against the making of a TPO and any refusal of consent to do works to the tree.

If you see work being carried out on a tree that you think may be protected, contact Winchester City Council on 01962 848 345 or trees@winchester.gov.uk.

Applying for a TPO

To apply for a TPO, contact Winchester City Council giving details of the tree and reasons why you think it should be protected, including a map if possible.

Please write to; TPO Application, Winchester City Council, City Offices, Colebrook Street, Winchester, Hampshire SO23 9LJ

The Council's Arboricultural Officer will inspect the tree and decide whether or not it requires a TPO. The Council will write to the owner and other interested parties to advise them of the order and display a notice of the order near the tree(s). Members of the public will have the opportunity to register their support or objections to the order by writing to the Council within 28 days of the service of the notice giving details of their objections / support. The Council will take these representations into account when deciding whether or not to confirm the order.

To apply using the Winchester 1APP Forms, see the webpage below and scroll down to no. 26 for the Application for tree works