Trees (planning)
Tree Preservation Order (TPO)
A Tree Preservation Order is put in place to preserve single or groups of trees which are of acknowledged amenity value.
This means that the trees are protected to maintain the natural beauty of a place or area. A TPO can also be put in place if the tree provides habitat to wildlife.
Works to TPO trees that are prohibited (unless we can provide you with written consent):
- Cutting down.
- Topping - removing all the top branches of a tree.
- Lopping/Pruning - removing branches.
- Uprooting – completely removing the tree and its roots.
- Cutting the roots.
Any consent for works may be subject to conditions which must be followed.
Requesting a Tree Preservation Order (TPO)
Tree Preservation Orders can only be used to protect selected trees and woodlands if their removal would have a significant impact on the local environment and its enjoyment by the public.
If you think this might be the case email us at planning.services@colchester.gov.uk and provide your name, phone number and as much information as you can, so we can discuss further with you.
Trees in a Conservation Area
Conservation areas are areas of natural beauty or special architectural or historic interest.
Works in conservation areas are controlled or restricted to project or improve the character or appearance of the area.
Works to trees in conservation areas also need consent. Any consent for works may be subject to conditions which must be followed.
Trees in conservation areas are protected as part of preserving the amenity value of the area, so even if the tree(s) isn't protected by a TPO, you still need to apply for consent for works to it.
A tree can also be protected by a TPO and be within a conservation area.
Find out if your tree is protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or in a Conservation Area
You can check whether your tree(s) is protected by a TPO or if it is within a conservation area by using our interactive map.
Using our online map
Using the map legend on the right side of your screen you can select which filters you see on the map.
To see TPOs and conservation areas, scroll down the map legend and tick the box next to 'Tree Preservation Orders'. If you press the drop down for 'Planning Constraints' you will be able to tick the box next to 'Conservation Areas'.
Trees with TPOs are circled in green and conservation areas are highlighted in light blue.
If your tree(s) is protected by a TPO this should also be specified in the deeds to your property.
Getting consent to carry out works to your tree(s)
You can apply online through the Planning Portal.
If you are not the owner of the property where the tree is located, you can still apply for Tree Works Consent.
It can take up to 8 weeks for a decision to be made once we have received your application and validated it. Do not call to chase the application until the 7th week if you have not already heard from us.
We will deal with your application as quickly as we can.
Finding copies of consents given to trees with TPOs or trees in Conservation Areas
You can see frequently updated lists of consents given:
If works are being undertaken to protected trees without the necessary consent these can be reported to our enforcement team.
Tree canopy cover
A Canopy Cover Assessment will be required for all major planning applications.
Development proposals should seek where appropriate to increase the level of canopy cover on site by a minimum of 10%. In circumstances where this is not possible or desirable, compensatory provision should be identified and secured through a legal obligation.
This will increase the overall canopy cover of the borough, enable sites to mitigate and adapt to climate change and deliver biodiversity net gain.
Page last reviewed: 12 May 2025