Trees

As well as providing an ecological benefit, many trees have a significant visual role in our environment. To help preserve this, the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 protects certain trees in two ways:


Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs)
Milton Keynes Council has recognised the importance of many trees across its area by protecting them with Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs). A TPO makes it an offence to cut down, lop, top, uproot, wilfully damage or destroy a tree without first obtaining permission from the Council. It can apply either to a single tree or a group.

You can check to see if a particular tree or group is subject to a TPO Click here to view the map . If you want to check to see if permission has been granted to carry out work on a protected tree you can do so by viewing the public access ststem or telephone the planning enquiries line on 01908 252358.




Conservation Areas
Some 27 areas within Milton Keynes have been designated as conservation areas to recognise their special character and appearance. All trees in conservation areas that have a diameter of more than 7.5cm measured 1.5 metres above ground level are afforded similar protection to those covered by TPOs. For more information about conservation areas in Milton Keynes please see the conservation area section of the Council’s website.

The maximum fine upon conviction of damaging a protected tree is £20,000 per tree. The Council could also require a replacement to be planted.

There are some exemptions to the protection that is afforded by TPOs or a conservation area designation. Permission is not needed to work on an otherwise protected tree in the case of work:

• in accordance with a Forestry commission grant scheme or felling license
• to a tree that is dying, dead or dangerous
• at the request of certain organisations
• under an obligation of an Act of Parliament
• which is related to a planning permission that has been granted
• in a commercial orchard, or pruning fruit trees in accordance with good horticultural practice
• To prevent a legal nuisance.

Click here for more information on protected trees for a copy of the Communities and Local Government’s booklet Tree Preservation Orders: A Guide to the Law and Good Practice.

Further advice for tree owners and how to apply for permission to work on a protected tree is available on the Development Control section of the Council’s website.

If you think that somebody is working on a protected tree without permission please contact the planning enforcement team directly on 01908 252888. It is very important that any such cases are reported immediately to minimise any damage that may be caused to a protected tree. Although the Council has powers to require a tree that has been removed illegally to be replaced it is always preferable to prevent any damage to it.

For queries regarding trees on Council owned land or other landscape maintenance issues please see the Parks and Open Spaces section of the Council’s website.

If you are interested in starting a formal enforcement enquiry please click here