Tree works and tree preservation orders

Trees are valuable to the street scene.

Find out more about Tree Preservation Orders and trees in conservation areas – GOV.UK.

Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs)

You need permission from Portsmouth City Council before undertaking any work on a tree that is either subject to a Tree Preservation Order, or in a conservation area.

You can apply online using the planning portal. Printable forms are also available using the planning portal’s paper form chooser.

If you have any questions, please email planningapps@portsmouthcc.gov.uk.

The register of TPO applications and decisions made this year is available to download below.

Works to trees protected by a TPO

You can apply online to undertake works on a tree subject to a Tree Preservation Order.

When applying you will need to provide:

a sketch plan showing the location of all tree(s) – an Ordnance Survey base plan is acceptable, if you have the necessary copyright licence
a full and clear specification of the works to be carried out
a statement of reasons for the proposed work with evidence to support the statement, such as one of the following:
- a report by a tree professional (e.g. arboriculturist or horticultural adviser) if your reasons relate to the health and/or safety of the tree(s)
- a report by an engineer or surveyor, together with one from a tree professional (arboriculturist) if you are alleging subsidence damage.
- a report by an appropriate expert if you are alleging damage other than subsidence to property or structures caused by the tree(s).

You may also wish to provide:

photographs and photomontages showing the trees in their context, and in views from the road and other vantage points
local requirements for applications to works to TPO trees – conditional documents
existing and proposed site sections and finished floor and site levels (such as at a scale of 1:50 or 1:100).

Where a proposal involves a change in ground levels or is on a sloping site, all plans should clearly and consistently show existing and proposed works, and should have a scale bar, key dimensions (distance of the development from the boundaries of the site and size of the building) original paper size and a north point.

Works to trees in conservation areas (not subject to a TPO)

You can apply online to undertake works on a tree in a conservation area.

When applying you will need to provide:

a sketch plan showing the precise location of all tree(s)
a full and clear specification of the works to be carried out
photographs and photomontages showing the trees within their context and in views from the road and other vantage points
a report by an engineer or surveyor, together with one from a tree professional (arboriculturist) if you are alleging damage (including subsidence) to property/structures caused by the tree(s).