It is important to note that not all trees are protected from felling, pruning or other work that would change their appearance. The Council can only control this type of work in certain circumstances.
Types of Tree Protection
There are several ways in which the council may protect a tree or groups of trees.
1 - Trees within a Conservation Area
Are protected by the provisions of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (Section 211) and associated Regulations. Where work is required to be carried out on a tree within the Conservation Area an application is required to the Council notifying the Arboriculture team of your intention to carry out the proposed tree works.
For an application form see 'Related Documents' on the right of the page, or contact Parks and Recreation.
2 - Trees protected by condition attached to a planning permission
The extent of the protection in line with British Standard 5837 and the manner in which the condition can be discharged is reflected in its wording and where relevant the Council may draft a Tree Preservation Order for the trees. For further information on site specific conditions talk to the relevant Case officer in Development Management. See 'Related Contacts' on the right of the page.
3 - Trees included within a Tree preservation order (TPO)
TPOs are created under the provisions of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and associated Regulations.
Approval is required to carry out work to a tree within a TPO by one of the Arboriculture Officers. Application forms can be downloaded from 'Related Documents' on the right of the page or by requesting an application form from Parks and Recreation.
There are currently over 700 TPOs within Stockport, full details of which are kept with Parks and Recreation (Arboriculture team).
To know whether your property is subject to a TPO or within a Conservation Area contact the team at the above address. Alternatively see 'Related Contacts' on the right of the page.
Further Information:
You can find out more about tree preservation orders through one of the following:- (Note that the Forestry Commission is responsible for issuing felling licenses)
For further information on Forestry Commission see.
- Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (in particular sections 197-214 as amended)
- The Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (section 23)
- Forestry Act 1967 (as amended).
These are all available through HMSO and may be seen at some main libraries.
You may also find it helpful to send off for a copy of the Forestry Authority booklet Tree Felling - Licences and Permissions. Write to:
Forestry Authority, 231 Corstorphine Road, Edinburgh, EH12 7AT