Huge Fines For Felling Protected Trees

£30,000 to £100,000. For over a decade, the Woodland Trust has been calling for changes to planning legislation, in particular the Tree Preservation Order (TPO) system. Patrick Cregg, the Woodland Trust’s director, said: “Tree Preservation Orders (TPO) are intended to protect individual trees or groups of trees from damage or destruction. Unfortunately, the system isn’t as effective as it should be, and we’ve been lobbying for change for years.xa0 We’re delighted that our main asks have finally been taken onboard. “The new legislation, and the shift of power from Planning Service to local councils, will strengthen the current TPO system.xa0 We’ll see, for example, a welcome and significant increase in the maximum fine for breaching a TPO.xa0 In addition, members of the public will have easy access to local records, allowing them to check if a tree is in fact protected.” The Woodland Trust welcomes the following amendments: 1.xa0xa0 An increase in the maximum fine for breach of a Tree Preservation Order from £30,000 to £100,000. 2.xa0xa0 Each local council will have a duty to compile a database of all trees designated with TPOs.xa0 This information will be accessible to members of the public. 3.xa0xa0 Currently trees with TPO status which are deemed ‘dead’, ‘dying’ or have become ‘dangerous’ can, with consent, be lawfully felled. The decision to remove the ‘dying’ clause means heightened protection for our precious ancient trees.xa0 This is noteworthy as species such as oak can spend hundreds of years in graceful decline. 4.xa0xa0 The designation ‘Conservation Area’ will be widened to include areas of special historic interest.xa0 In the past, this designation applied to buildings only. Mr Cregg added, “The Woodland Trust receives calls each week from anxious members of the public, expressing concerns over trees under threat. We’re confident that today’s news will put our significant trees on a more secure footing. It’s good news for people, for wildlife and for the future of our natural environment.”]]>