First of all, check whether any of your trees are currently subject to TPOs, or are within a conservation area. If they are, you must approach your local council first for consent to any works to the trees. Failure to do so could lead to criminal charges. Bear in mind that a single TPO can refer to one individual tree, or a group of trees (even a copse).<p></p><p> Assuming neither of these applies in your case, you can simply identify which trees will affect the footprint of your proposed development and lop/fell these as necessary.</p><p> The council may get wind of the work and make an emergency TPO to save any tree they consider to be of &amp;“amenity value&amp;”, but cannot do so where the diameter of the trunk is less than 75mm. If you want to fell a TPO tree, you must have the consent of the council or alternatively have a detailed planning permission which will entitle you to fell trees which would otherwise prevent development being carried out. hb</p><p>If you have any questions for the Campbell Hooper team send them to the editor via e-mail: ben.roskrow@house-builder.co.uk</p><p></p><p> The contents of this column should not be construed as providing …