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Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) in Your Area

Find the right Tree Preservation Order (TPO) and Conservation Area guidance for councils across Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset.

What Is a Tree Preservation Order?

A Tree Preservation Order (TPO) is a legal protection placed on a tree or group of trees. If a tree is covered by a TPO — or is located within a Conservation Area — you must apply for permission before carrying out any works such as pruning, felling, or root disturbance.

Each local authority manages its own TPO and Conservation Area rules. To make things easier, we’ve created a simple directory of links to the relevant guidance for councils across the South West.

Local Authority TPO Guidance

Below you’ll find direct links to TPO and Conservation Area information for councils in Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset.
We have many years of experience liaising with Local Authority Tree Officers, some over 10 years, so we know what the Local Planning Authority accept for tree works and developments.
ree tags to identify trees which require remedial pruning after survey. Bark fissured and ivy can obscure defects, needs to be controlled to allow assessment for risk of harm

Cornwall

Cornwall Council

https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control/planning-guidance-and-advice/trees-and-hedges/

 

Devon

East Devon District Council

https://eastdevon.gov.uk/planning/planning-services/protected-trees-and-hedges/tree-preservation-orders/ 

Exeter City Council

https://exeter.gov.uk/planning-services/trees-and-hedges/tree-preservation-orders/ 

Mid Devon District Council

https://www.middevon.gov.uk/residents/planning/tree-preservation-orders/ 

North Devon Council

https://www.northdevon.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control/trees/

Plymouth City Council

https://www.plymouth.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control/planning/planning-advice-and-guidance/trees-and-hedges 

South Hams District Council

https://www.southhams.gov.uk/article/3502/Tree-Preservation-Orders 

Teignbridge District Council

https://www.teignbridge.gov.uk/planning/trees-and-hedges/tree-preservation-orders/ 

Torbay Council

https://www.torbay.gov.uk/planning-and-building/trees/tree-preservation-orders/ 

Torridge District Council

https://www.torridge.gov.uk/article/12784/Tree-Preservation-Orders

West Devon Borough Council

https://www.westdevon.gov.uk/article/3502/Tree-Preservation-Orders 

 

Somerset

Sedgemoor District Council

https://www.sedgemoor.gov.uk/article/1091/Tree-Preservation-Orders

Somerset West & Taunton (Taunton Deane / West Somerset)

https://www.somersetwestandtaunton.gov.uk/planning/trees/)

South Somerset District Council

https://www.southsomerset.gov.uk/services/planning/trees-and-hedges/

 

Dorset

West Dorset (Dorset Council)

https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/planning-buildings-land/planning/trees-and-hedges

 

Devon

Need Help With a TPO Application?

TPO and Conservation Area rules can be confusing — and mistakes can lead to delays, refusals or enforcement action. We provide clear, independent advice to help you:

  • Understand whether your tree is protected

  • Prepare and submit a compliant application

  • Avoid common pitfalls

  • Respond to council queries

  • Plan tree works safely and legally

Why Choose Dart Tree Consultancy?

Areas We Cover

Cornwall

Bodmin, Bude, Callington, Camborne, Camelford, Falmouth, Fowey, Hayle, Helston, Launceston, Liskeard, Looe, Lostwithiel, Marazion, Newquay, Padstow, Penryn, Penzance, Redruth, Saltash, St Austell, St Ives, Torpoint, Truro, Wadebridge and all surrounding areas.

Devon

Ashburton, Axminster, Barnstaple, Bideford, Brixham, Braunton, Brixham, Chagford, Crediton, Cullompton, Dawlish, Dartmouth, Exmouth, Exeter, Great Torrington, Holsworthy, Honiton, Ilfracombe, Kingsbridge, Lynton, Lynmouth, Moretonhampstead, Newton Abbot, North Tawton, Okehampton, Paignton, Plymouth, Salcombe, Seaton, Sidmouth, South Brent, South Molton, Tavistock, Teignmouth, Tiverton, Torquay, Totnes and all surrounding areas.

Somerset

Axbridge, Bath, Bridgwater, Bruton, Burnham-on-Sea, Castle Cary, Chard, Cheddar, Clevedon, Crewkerne, Dulverton, Frome, Glastonbury, Highbridge, Ilminster, Keynsham, Langport, Minehead, Nailsea, Portishead, Radstock, Shepton Mallet, Somerton, South Petherton, Street, Taunton, Watchet, Wellington, Wells, Weston-super-Mare, Williton, Wincanton, Yeovil

Dorset

Beaminster, Blandford Forum, Bournemouth, Bridport, Christchurch, Dorchester, Ferndown, Gillingham, Lyme Regis, Poole, Shaftesbury, Sherborne, Stalbridge, Sturminster Newton, Swanage, Verwood, Wareham, Weymouth, Wimborne Minster and all surrounding areas.

Arboricultural Consultancy, Tree Surveys & Planning Frequently Asked Questions

If your site has trees on or near the boundary, most Local Authorities require a BS5837 survey before validating a planning application. This applies to extensions, new builds, conversions, access changes and larger developments. The survey identifies tree constraints and ensures your design complies with planning policy.

A full BS5837 package typically includes:

  • Tree survey schedule

  • Tree constraints plan (TCP)

  • Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA)

  • Tree Protection Plan (TPP)

  • Arboricultural Method Statement (AMS)

  • Site monitoring (if required) These documents support your planning application from design through to construction.

 

Costs vary depending on site size, number of trees and the level of reporting required. BS5837 surveys are typically more detailed than safety inspections. We provide clear, fixed‑fee quotes before any work begins.

Absolutely. We regularly work alongside architects, planning consultants, developers and Local Authorities to resolve tree‑related constraints and support successful planning outcomes.

A tree risk assessment evaluates the likelihood of tree failure and the potential consequences. It helps landowners manage risk responsibly and proportionately. We use QTRA‑based principles to ensure assessments are evidence‑led and cost‑effective.

Inspection frequency depends on tree condition, location and usage of the surrounding area. Typical re‑inspection cycles range from 1–5 years. We provide tailored recommendations based on risk level.

 

Yes. We assist with:

  • TPO applications

  • Objections

  • Works to trees in Conservation Areas

  • Advice on protected tree management, our reports are designed to meet Local Authority requirements.

Yes. We are a fully independent consultancy and not linked to any tree surgery company. Our recommendations are always in the best interests of you and your trees.

 

Yes, we have Professional Indemnity insurance to £2,000,000 and Public liability insurance to £2,000,000.

We operate throughout Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset and sometimes further afield. Get in touch to see if we can help in your area.

What our customers have to Say

We have engaged Keith from Dart Tree for a few years. He came highly recommended by multiple sources. Keith has solved many long-standing problems that we have encountered over the years.

Keith’s approach is relaxed, helpful and friendly and also timely, particularly when required. We would have no hesitation in highly recommending Dart Tree to anybody. We are sure you will be delighted with both the service, approach and the value for money offered.

Most importantly, Keith is a good person. Always willing to help and go the extra mile and with a genuine interest in improving the health of our trees.

Ade, Wembury
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