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Tree preservation orders

Trees are an important natural asset and contribute to the quality of the urban and rural environment.

They relieve the general uniformity of large suburban areas and soften the appearance of a built up area. As well as their contribution to the visual appearance of an area, trees play an important role in the ecological system and can filter noise and pollution.

As a matter of principle the Council is concerned about the amount of unjustified pruning and felling of trees that takes place, and has included policies within the Unitary Development Plan, which seek the retention and protection of trees of amenity, nature or landscape conservation value.

A tree preservation order (TPO) is a legal document, made by the Council, which aims to protect trees, which are making a good contribution to the visual appearance of the area and enables the Council to control proposed works to these trees. Within an Order, trees may be identified individually, by groups, as an area or as a woodland. Trees within a hedgerow may be protected but hedges, shrubs and bushes cannot be protected by a TPO.

To check if a tree is protected please contact the tree officer in Development Control.

Requests for TPOs

The Council receives requests to make TPOs from Members of the Council and residents of Bexley, who think that particular trees, which are under threat, make an important contribution to their locality.

TPOs may also be made as a result of development proposals being submitted to the Council where the retention of existing trees is considered important.

All suggestions for a TPO should be addressed to the Head of Development Control.