Trees provide many benefits to well planned developments, and mature trees in particular have been proven to enhance local property values, visual amenity, and the biodiversity value of new developments. However, poorly planned developments and inappropriate tree retention can lead to conflict and detrimental living conditions for both people and the trees. This is where we can help by advising how best to integrate significant existing trees into a proposed development.
Trees are a material consideration in the planning process, so where trees are present close to a proposed development, be it a domestic extension or large development site, the local planning authority are likely to require at least an initial tree survey to be able to consider your application. Depending on the complexity of your site, they may also require further aspects of arboricultural input. We can therefore provide advice throughout the planning process, liaising with your design team and the local planning authority, to assist you in achieving the planning permission that you need. In the event that planning permission is not granted initially, we are also able to provide support and representations in the planning appeal process should tree-related issues be of significance.
We have considerable experience of local planning authority requirements and can assist at all stages of the process:
Feasibility Surveys
Prior to purchasing (or selling) a site, we can offer a preliminary site appraisal in the form of a basic tree survey report and accompanying plan showing a summary assessment of arboricultural site constraints.
This can be used by prospective developers as an aide to identifying appropriate sites before committing to a project.
BS 5837:2012 Tree Surveys
Where trees are present on or adjacent to a site this is the basic arboricultural requirement within the planning process.
It should ideally be carried out before any detailed design plans have been created, because where significant tree constraints are identified later it may lead to delays in the process and require layout changes to satisfy the planning department.
Tree Constraints Plan (TCP)
A visual representation of the findings from the initial tree survey, to show where arboricultural constraints exist and therefore to guide the design process to achieve a balanced and acceptable development.
Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA)
Formerly referred to as Arboricultural Implications Assessment – Where required this detailed report will evaluate all likely impacts that the development will have on existing trees and vice versa.
It will be created in conjunction with the Tree survey, TCP and draft TPP. This also includes details of any required pruning of existing trees such as for facilitating site access.
Tree Protection Plan (TPP)
This is superimposed on the layout plan and shows the location of tree protection measures on site and will detail working methods to be followed, so that contractors can implement the agreed measures once planning permission has been granted.
Arboricultural Method Statement (AMS)
A detailed report which describes any operations that are required within tree root protection areas, and explains how a sufficiently precautionary approach will be adopted to demonstrate that the development can proceed with minimal risk of adverse impact on retained trees.
Arboricultural Supervision
As part of granting planning permission there may be the requirement for an auditable system of arboricultural site monitoring, especially where any activity is taking place within or adjacent to a tree root protection area, as well as supervision of previously agreed tree pruning.
We have considerable experience of site monitoring from a local authority perspective and are therefore ideally suited to undertaking this task if required.
Landscaping and Tree Planting Advice
There is commonly a condition within the planning permission requiring an acceptable level of post-development landscape and tree planting, as well as written schedules for on-going care and maintenance for both new and existing planting. With our experience and knowledge we can ensure the right species are chosen for the site to create a sustainable landscaping scheme.
We can provide tree planting advice, as well as the planting plans, site preparation and planting details, and maintenance schedules for existing and newly planted trees.