I wanted to see people's opinion with regards to two house that a friend wants to buy with nearby trees. House A with TPO on the trees that is about 10 metres away at the rear garden. The neighbour house also has a tall tree with TPO and almost overhang onto the roof/tiles.
House B neighbour's trees overhang above the roof/tiles. The tree is two metres away from the wall of the house. It is more than 20m tall and not sure what type of trees it is.
I kind of telling my friend to walk away, but they like the houses. I thin
Anything overhanging his land he can have lopped, nobody has right to a view, thought there are laws about recently planted trees called 'ancient lights';
https://www.britannica.com/topic/ancient-lights
As a very rough rule, the root-bowls of many trees can extend to at least the height of the tree.
10 metres away may be Ok (only excavation pits can say for sure.
2 metres from a building is asking for problems. Having a TPO would suggest that the trees are not simply cheap fir/softwood, but something quite substantial.
Concrete root barriers could be installed, but if it affects the trees, then it could all end in tears.
Dangerous branches can be removed, but only if the damage to the tree is minimal.
Lopping/topping is not allowed.
Yes, the local authority can be "persuaded", but they wouldn't want to take the responsibility for the decision. They would most likely ask for a tree specialist's report (at your expense.)
Anything you can actually see could be dealt with. I'd be much more concerned about the hidden potential problems (roots.)
I know some people don't like trees too close to houses. I remember a friend at work, he used to tell he can't sleep because a tree on his drive is bothering him. The tree "was" owned by the council. He even suggested ideas to get his L plate car driver daughter crash into it as an accident. The tree is now long gone. So he can sleep now. Not sure how he got rid of it though.
However, the estate agent seems to have been very honest about tellingy friend that the house has TPO on the trees and will mean it will be more difficult to sell. I think that info should be taken seriously. If it's me I will walk away as it is too much headache to deal with boundary, trees disputes.