A Tree Preservation Order (TPO) is a legally enforceable order made by the Local Planning Authority, in this case Monmouthshire County Council (MCC), to protect trees and woodland in the interests of public amenity. The power to make a TPO is currently contained in the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and the Town and Country (Tree Preservation) (England) Regulations 2012. Wilful damage or destruction is prohibited. Work to a tree protected by a TPO is prohibited without prior permission from the Local Planning Authority (MCC), although there are a number of exceptions to this.