Planning validation checklists - Works to Trees Protected by a Tree Preservation Order

Before applying, refer to the guidance on the Planning Portal.

Find out how to apply.

None.

• answers to all the questions on the form to be provided completely and correctly
• applicant contact details (and Agent if used) provided
• if you choose to have an agent acting for you, they will be our single point of contact for your application. The contractor appointed to carry out the works is not necessarily the agent. Please confirm with the contractor if they are acting as your Agent, if not do not include their details on the agent section of the form
• declaration is signed and dated
• clearly identify the trees and the species (if known), it would be useful for the numbering of the trees to be as identified on the TPO
• a statement of reasons for the proposed work with evidence to support this. This could be provided in a report by one of the following: 
  • a tree professional (eg arboriculturist or horticultural adviser) if your reasons relate to the health and/or safety of the tree(s)
  • an engineer or surveyor, together with one from a tree professional (arboriculturist) if you are alleging subsidence damage
  • a report by an appropriate expert if you are alleging damage other than subsidence to property or structures caused by the tree(s)

Additional information

Photographs are useful as supporting information, clearly label the photo identifying which tree(s) being worked on.

Sketch plan requirements

To avoid any delays the following information is required on the sketch plan to allow us to proceed with your application.

Hand-drawn plans may be submitted, but customers are urged to use Ordnance Survey (OS) based plans. A screenshot from a mapping system will be accepted using map option. Please don’t use the satellite layer on online mapping because this distorts the boundary lines and will delay your application.

Photographs are not acceptable as sketch plans.

• clearly identify the position of the tree(s) to be worked on
• adjacent roads showing road names
• clear boundaries and adjoining properties showing house numbers or house names
• if the TPO numbering is known, use this to identify the trees
• If it is not possible to identify the trees accurately on the plan (if a woodland or group), identify their approximate location on the plan and explain how the tree(s) have been marked on site
• scale is not mandatory but would be preferred to show the distance between the tree(s) in question and other relevant features