37.—(1) The undertaker may fell or lop any tree that is subject to a tree preservation order within or overhanging land within the Order limits or cut back its roots, if it reasonably believes it to be necessary to do so in order to prevent the tree from obstructing or interfering with the construction, maintenance, operation or decommissioning of the authorised development or any apparatus used in connection with the authorised development.
(2) In carrying out any activity authorised by paragraph (1)—
(a)the undertaker must do no unnecessary damage to any tree and must pay compensation to any person for any loss or damage arising from such activity; and
(b)the duty contained in section 206(1) (replacement of trees) of the 1990 Act does not apply.
(3) The authority given by paragraph (1) constitutes a deemed consent under the relevant tree preservation order.
(4) Any dispute as to a person’s entitlement to compensation under paragraph (2), or as to the amount of compensation, is to be determined under Part 1 (determination of questions of disputed compensation) of the 1961 Act.