Protected trees

For trees that are not protected or in a conservation area, or to report a dangerous, damaged, overhanging or diseased tree that the council is responsible for please view how to report an problem with a tree.

Trees can be protected by either being the subject of a Tree Preservation Order or by being in a Conservation Area.
 

Tree Preservation Orders (TPO)

A Tree Preservation Order is an order made by us to protect specific trees, groups of trees or woodlands in the interests of amenity. Consent is required from us to carry out most works to a protected tree unless the works to the tree are approved as part of a planning application.

If consent is given, it can be subject to conditions which have to be followed. Cutting roots also requires our consent.

There are thousands of existing Tree Preservation Orders throughout the borough of Chorley. You can view details and locations of TPO's on our mapping system.

The ownership of and responsibility for a protected tree remains with the person who owns it.

The government have produced guidance which explains the legislation on Tree Preservation Orders.
 

Apply to carry out works to a tree protected by a Tree Preservation Order

An application for consent to do works to a protected tree can be made via the Planning Portal website. Select 'Tree works: Trees in conservation areas/subject to TPOs' from the application type drop down menu. There is no fee for these applications.

You should accurately describe the works you intend to undertake. Marked up photographs can also be useful if you are applying to remove particular branches.

You will need to provide:

• clear explanation of work you wish to carry out and why
• location of the tree
• the process is usually quicker if the application is supported with an arboriculturist report.

The Arboricultural Association website has useful information that may help you describe the works you wish to undertake.

Apply to carry out works to a tree

Dead branches or trees

Dead branches from a living protected tree may be removed without prior notice or consent. Care should be taken not to damage any live part of the tree.

If a protected tree is dead, a formal application is not required to remove or to work on the tree. Instead, 5 days written notice must be given to the authority before works commence. It is advised that you collect evidence that the tree is dead before carrying out any works to it. Where a protected tree has died, the landowner has a duty to plant a replacement.

Tree causing immediate risk

Where a protected tree presents an immediate risk of serious harm and work is urgently needed to remove that risk, written notice must be given to the authority as soon as practicable after that work becomes necessary. Work should only be carried out to the extent that it is necessary to remove the risk. 

Where a protected tree is felled because there is an urgent necessity to remove an immediate risk of serious harm, the landowner has a duty to plant a replacement. 

The size and location of replacement trees should be agreed in writing with us.

It is recommended that evidence is collected before works or felling are undertaken under the exemption.

Apply to carry out works to a tree

Trees in Conservation Areas

Any tree over 75mm in diameter at 1.5m above ground is given protection by being in a Conservation Area. 

If you wish to do work to such trees then an application for consent to do works to a tree in a Conservation Area can be made via the Planning Portal website. Select 'Tree works: Trees in Conservation Areas/subject to TPOs' from the application type drop down menu. There is no fee for these applications.

Apply to carry out works to a tree in a Conservation Area

The application gives us 6 weeks to decide whether the tree or trees should be made the subject of a Tree Preservation Order or the works can go ahead. 

Trees in a Conservation Area can also be the subject of a Tree Preservation Order and in such cases an application to carry out works to a protected tree must be made.