The Question
We are in the process of buying a property, but we are having trouble securing a mortgage because there is a tree with a Tree Protection Order (TPO), which is very close to the house.
What is a TPO and what options are available to us?
Mark’s Answer
A Tree Preservation Order (TPO) is an order made by a local planning authority to protect specific trees or woodlands. A TPO prohibits the cutting down, topping, lopping, uprooting, wilful damage or wilful destruction of trees without the local planning authority’s written consent. If consent is granted, it can be subject to conditions which have to be followed.
Your best option is to contact your mortgage provider and request further details as to their specific concerns and to then pass these onto your local authority’s Tree Preservation officer to request their assistance.
Meet our expert
Mark Morton is a residential property licensed conveyancer for Copley Clark (the trading name of Parfitt Cresswell). He has a career spanning two decades and joined Parfitt Cresswell in February 2020.
If you would like to ask him or one of his colleagues a legal question connected to your home or related finances email kate.saines@emap.com
