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What is a tree preservation order (TPO)?
Many trees are protected by Tree Preservation Orders (TPO) which means that, in general, you need the council's consent to prune or fell them.
A TPO is placed on a tree, group of trees or woodland with the aim of protecting them. The following is prohibited on a protected tree, without the local planning authority's (LPA) consent:
- Felling
- Topping
- Lopping
- Uprooting
- Wilful damage/destruction
Owners of the trees must maintain their trees, and an LPA will often encourage good tree management. However, they are unable to require maintenance work just because a tree falls under a TPO.
If you wish to complete work on a tree under a TPO you will be required to submit an application to the local planning authority. For full details on this application type, read guidance about works to trees and the application process.
Common Questions
Bricking up an external door is classified as permitted development, meaning an application for planning permission is not required to complete the works. You will need to ensure that any materials used are of a similar appearance to the existing exterior of the house.
If you live in a listed building, then you will require planning permission and listed building consent for the change. In this instance it is best practice to talk to your local planning authority.
Find your local planning authority.
Many homeowners choose to replace their traditional polycarbonate conservatory roof with a solid tiled roof for better thermal efficiency.
If the change significantly alters the structure or appearance of the roof, then planning permission may be required. Most alterations to roofs are considered permitted development, providing they meet the limits set out in legislation.
A new roof must comply with building regulations to ensure it is structurally safe, energy efficient and properly ventilated.
Planning permission is not required if the home will be used as a short-term let for 90 days or less throughout the year.
If you plan on using the home as a short-term let for more than this time period, then you will need to apply for planning permission for a change of use.
If you rent a room in your property while you still live there, you will not require planning permission.
Changing a standard garage door to an electric garage door will not normally require planning permission. Instead, they are covered by permitted development rights.
Permission may be required if your property is listed, you live in a conservation area or there will be a visual impact on the appearance of the house as viewed from the street. If you are unsure, it is advised that you contact your local planning authority.
Work to install an electric garage door must comply with Part P of the building regulations. This can be done by using an electrician who is registered with the competent person scheme.
Visit the website for registered electrical competent persons.
The addition of a new external doorway will often fall under permitted development rights, meaning an application for planning permission is not required. This applies where the new doors are of similar appearance to those used elsewhere on the original building.
Permission may be required if your property is listed, you live in a conservation area oran Article 4 direction is in place. In these circumstances it is best to contact your local planning authority for more advice.
New external doorways which create a new or widened opening must comply with building regulations. A new structural opening will require a building regulations application.
The installation of a new door can be completed by a 'competent person' to ensure building regulation requirements are met. For more information on the competent person scheme and to find a registered person, visit the GOV.uk website.
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