The Town and Country Planning (Trees) Regulations 1999 govern the preservation, planting, and maintenance of trees in urban and rural planning contexts. These regulations are primarily focused on protecting trees that contribute to the local environment and aesthetic, particularly through the use of Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs).
The 1999 Regulations provide a framework for local planning authorities to manage and protect trees within their jurisdiction. The main tool used under these regulations is the Tree Preservation Order, which can be applied to individual trees, groups of trees, or woodlands, restricting the cutting down, topping, lopping, uprooting, or wilful destruction of trees without prior written consent from the local planning authority.
The Town and Country Planning (Trees) Regulations 1999 play a crucial role in urban and rural planning by ensuring that valuable tree resources are preserved and maintained for public benefit. Through these regulations, local authorities are equipped to safeguard local environments against unnecessary deforestation and degradation, promoting sustainable development practices.
