The purpose of these Regulations is to update the procedures for making, varying and revoking Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) under the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997. TPOs are used to
protect trees or woodlands if their removal would have a significant detrimental impact on the
environment and its enjoyment by the public. Where protection is given by a TPO prior
consent is required from the planning authority to carry out any work on the trees. It is an
offence to cut down, lop, top, uproot or wilfully damage or destroy a protected tree without
permission from the planning authority. TPOs form a legal constraint permanently attached
to the title of the land where the trees are located.
