The Partners along with some of the staff enjoyed a christmas meal and dancing.  We take the opportunity to wish all our client’s a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.  The office will close on 24th December 2008 and reopen at 9am on 5th January 2009

Tree Preservation Orders (TPO’s) exist to protect our environment, not only from an aesthetical point of view but also to protect habitats for our wildlife.  Whilst the intention behind a TPO is positive they can prove very restrictive to homeowners with trees on their property that are protected by TPO’s.

A TPO prohibits you from chopping a tree down or pruning a tree without the consent of the local planning authority

If you breach a TPO by carrying out works to a tree which you are not permitted to so, you could face a fine of up to £20000.00.

If your property is situated in a Conservation Area trees in your garden may still be protected even if there are no TPOs.

When looking to purchase a property with trees in the garden it is important to check with your solicitor whether there are any TPOs in place