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TPOs – Where are we?

This article discusses the need to streamline Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) to reduce administrative burden and promote a more equitable and consistent system. It also highlights the importance of the green agenda and the government's commitment to environmental protection. The article further explores the potential impact of the Localism Bill and the National Planning Policy Framework on TPOs.

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TPOs – Where are we?

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  1. TPOs –Where are we? Peter Annett AA Conference 20/9/11

  2. A new broom (or two) May 2010 – Coalition Government • Coalition Agreement • Cut red tape • Big society • Localism

  3. The ‘greenest government ever’ © Guardian © Liverpool Daily Post G r e e n

  4. Coalition Agreement We will … • promote the green industries that are so essential for our future • maintain the Green Belt, (SSSIs) and other environmental protections … • protect wildlife and promote green spaces and wildlife corridors … • launch a national tree planting campaign. The Coalition: our programme for government HM Government

  5. Recent events May 2010 – Coalition Government • Coalition Agreement • Cut red tape • Big society • Localism • Financial constraints • Reduce burden & costs

  6. Cutting Red Tape & Barrier Busting • Identify what adds costs and puts unnecessary burdens on individuals, business & local government • LPAs, and general public, invited to suggest processes that could be streamlined, improved or even scrapped altogether • Red Tape Challenge • Regulations published on-line by theme e.g. Environment • www.redtapechallenge.cabinetoffice.gov.uk • Barrier Busting • Address real and perceived barriers at the local level

  7. Statutory duties • Review of statutory duties placed on local government • Re protected trees: • s197 - Include appropriate provision for the protection of trees in a planning permission • s203 - Pay compensation arising under TPOs • s204 - Pay compensation where requirement to replant trees • Any consideration to remove duties or associated guidance will include consultation

  8. Big Society It is about helping people to come together to improve their own lives. Cabinet Office 2010 – December - Big Tree Plant 2011 - May – Allotments - June – Community right to build – Ideas to tidy up streets - July – Opening up public services - August – Community orchards - Sept – Local people to influence running of National Parks

  9. Localism Bill The time has come to disperse power more widely in Britain today.Coalition Agreement Council: Residents able to call for local referendums and challenge LA services Housing: Scrap HIPs and review social housing Planning: Abolish RSS, & IPC. Allow neighbourhood plans and development orders. Green area designation. Presumption in favour of sustainable development. Review time limit for enforcement.

  10. National Planning Policy Framework We need a simpler, swifter system that is easier to understand Greg Clark - July 2011 • Consolidates 1,000 pages of policy to just 52 • Consultation closes: 17 October • Natural Environment White Paper • Guidance

  11. Concerns • Council Leader suggests he will drop archaeological reports, to streamline the planning system • CPRE concerned about threats to AONBs • TCPA call for new garden cities • NT meets with Minister to discuss NPPF • RTPI launch pro-planning campaign • NPPF Myth-Buster launched 8/9/11 • PM agrees to meet groups re planning policy

  12. Other announcements • England • Planning guarantee to determine planning applications in 12 months • To consult on reducing information to accompany planning applications • Wales • Appeal consultation includes fast track appeals for TPOs? Consultation ends 17/11/11 • Planning reform to consolidate existing planning legislation. Consult 2012? • Northern Ireland • Fine for destroying a protected tree now £100,000 – summary conviction • High hedges legislation March 2012? Consultation on guidance ends11/11/11 • Law Society • Review legislation relating to rights to light and wildlife in 2012

  13. Red tape and TPOs Tree preservation regulations: • Simplify and streamline the approach to tree protection to reduce the administrative burden • Produce a unified system which will apply to all TPOs • Reduce complexity of the model order • Create a more equitable system • Consolidate regulations Eric Pickles – 7 July 2010 © nalgao

  14. TPO proposals • Consolidate TPO provisions • Streamline certain procedures • Not a fundamental review of the tree protection regime • No change to conservation areas

  15. Background • Principal legislation: Town & Country Planning Acts of 1947, 1962, 1971, 1990 • Aim to protect trees of amenity value to local communities • Include, but not exclusively, those under threat from development

  16. Background • Model orders: 1949, 1953, 1966, 1969, 1999 • Different provisions apply to each model • Regime could be less cumbersome, more consistent and more fair

  17. Transferprovisions Consolidate Transfer provisions Legal framework Existing TPOs New Regulations 1999 & 2008 Regulations TCPA 1990

  18. Model order Current position • Long and complex order • Not user friendly Proposal • Follow concept arising from the cancellation of provisions in existing orders • Model order to have covering page, list of trees and map

  19. Immediate protection Current position • s.198 - TPO takes effect when LPA confirm • s.201 direction • TPO comes into immediate effect for 6 months • Confirmation required • Most TPOs made under s.201 Proposal • All new TPOs to have immediate effect • Without confirmation TPO would lapse after 6 months

  20. Informing interested parties Current position • Pre 1999 – notify owners & occupiers of land where trees situated • Post 1999 – As above plus owners/occupiers of adjacent land • Often a burden on LPAs • Copies of TPO often sent to people with no interest Proposal • Focus on those who have an interest – owner/occupier and those who have a right to prune or fell the trees • LPAs would be free to tailor further notification to suit the particular circumstances • Notify agent if TPO made as a result of a s.211 notice

  21. Exceptions Current position • s198(6) – consent for tree work not required where tree is dead, dying or has become dangerous • Uncertainty for all as to where the boundaries are • Unnecessary applications, enforcement unclear Proposal • Omit “dying” from exceptions • Limit excepted work to dangerous trees to what is urgently necessary in the interests of safety

  22. Consents Current position • Power to impose time limiting conditions • Applications for regular work not always entertained • Power to modify/revoke consents under pre 1999 TPOs Proposal • Set default time limit – 1yr • LPA can vary duration • Applications/consents may include repeated work or programmes of work • Delete power to modify or revoke consents

  23. Replacement planting Current position • Condition may be attached for replacement planting • For woodlands a direction is issued with prescribed content Proposal • Use conditions for replacement planting for any TPO tree felled with consent • Remove power to issue a direction for woodlands

  24. Compensation Current position • Two systems in place • Pre 1999 orders • Article 5 certificates • Post 1999 orders • More clearly defined framework • No article 5 certificates Proposal • Adopt one system as contained in the current 1999 Regs • No power to issue “article 5” style certificates

  25. Transitional arrangements • TPOs made but not confirmed • Applications being determined • Currency of article 5 certificates • Compensation rights • Appeals to be made or in progress • Enforcing conditions and directions ©Sharenator

  26. Consultation - next steps Consultation • Report and Government response Next steps • Review draft regulations • Committee clearance • Lay before Parliament • Regulations commence ©Sharenator

  27. And yes - there are other things in life Thank you

  28. What would the changes be? And, meanwhile, what else is going on in law? ©ftb Charles Mynors AA Conference 20/9/11

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