What Is A Tree Preservation Order? If you have trees on your plot or within the boundaries of a renovation project, your solicitor should have made you aware of any TPOs. These orders can be placed on an individual tree or a group of trees and make it an offence to uproot, damage or even lop the trees without obtaining permission from the local council.
There are unlimited fines if you break the rules so always protect these trees with something like a metal fence or scaffolding before starting your building work.
Make everyone on site aware of the protected trees. If you want to lop the branches, you may need to submit a report from a qualified tree surgeon (www.trees.org.uk). Even if you think the tree is dead, alert the council before removing it.
Clashing With The Building Control Officer Probably the most common problem on any building site, the Building Control Officer is there to ensure certain building standards are complied with to make your home safe, durable and energy efficient.
Contravention of the Building Regulations is a criminal offence so never, ever go along with a builder who says he knows better than the Building Control department.
Although it’s not their responsibility to offer solutions, if you do find a problem, ask for the BCOs advice. You may find they will be happy to suggest a solution or even re-interpret a regulation to some extent. Go to www.planningportal.gov.uk for Building Regulation advice.
