Co. Westmeath Tree Preservation Orders

The tree preservation order is one of only two legal mechanisms in place for the protection of trees, the other being a Felling Licence established under the 1946 Forestry Act. Trees that are subject to a preservation order cannot be felled unless the owner applies for planning permission to the local authority. The 1963 Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, section 45 provided for the making of tree preservation orders by the planning authority where it is considered desirable to preserve trees on amenity grounds. This act was amended by the 1976 Planning Act, the 1992 Planning Act and 2000 Planning Act which outlined the legal framework and procedures to make a TPO. This order will prevent their cutting down, topping, lopping or wilful destruction without the specific consent of the local authority. The authority has planning control over tree felling or any interference with designated trees.树木保护令（Tree Preservation Order，TPO）是当前仅有的两种树木保护法定机制之一，另一种是依据1946年《林业法》设立的砍伐许可证（Felling Licence）。纳入树木保护令保护范围的树木，除非所有者向地方主管部门申请规划许可，否则不得砍伐。1963年《地方政府（规划与发展）法》第45条规定，规划主管部门若认为出于市容美观需要需保护树木，即可发布树木保护令。该法经1976年《规划法》、1992年《规划法》及2000年《规划法》修订，确立了制定TPO的法律框架与流程。 本命令禁止未经地方主管部门明确同意，擅自对受保护树木实施砍伐、截顶、疏枝或故意损毁行为。主管部门对受指定保护树木的砍伐或任何形式的干预行为拥有规划管控权限。