We have extensive experience dealing with trees and development and understand what is needed to achieve planning approval from an arboricultural perspective.
We offer pragmatic advice on tree constraints as well as the many benefits and opportunities trees can bring to a new development.
As trees become recognised as increasingly important to society and the environment, their influence in the planning process and on development sites increases. Considering trees early in the planning process not only ensures the best trees are highlighted, but inappropriate tree retention is avoided.
We are used to working with clients, planners, architects, engineers and contractors, and understand the requirements of local planning authorities in respect to trees and development.
See below for details of various stages of trees and the planning process where we can make a difference, although we can be called upon at any stage of the development process.
Pre Land Purchase Advice
Prior to the purchase of a site we can provide advice on the feasibility of development in respect to tree constraints and opportunities. A Tree Constraints Plan and brief report will illustrate space needed around trees which are likely to be retained, and importantly, will highlight trees which should not be considered a constraint.
Often carried out before a land survey has been commissioned, these usually take the form of an abbreviated BS 5837 Tree Survey. The aim is to show how much of a site is likely to be developable from an arboricultural perspective.
More cost effective than a full survey, a pre-land purchase survey can quickly identify potential arboricultural issues for decision makers prior to land purchase.
A pre land purchase survey can be carried out quickly and verbal feedback can be given immediately followed by a short report.
BS 5837 Surveys & Constraints Advice
If a proposed development site has trees present on, or adjacent to the site, local planning authorities expect to see that trees have been properly considered.
Our surveys follow best practice and the principles of BS 5837:2012 Trees in relation to design, demolition and construction. The survey will record in detail all relevant trees and categorise them in accordance with desirability for retention. A CAD based Tree Constraints Plan will be produced showing above and below ground constraints. This is to aid layout design prior to application. We recommend the BS 5837 survey is carried out at the early stages of a project as this will minimise the risk of design changes due to unforeseen tree constraints and to ensure retained trees are recognised properly within the layout.
In addition to the constraints to a site trees may represent, we also highlight the many positives trees can bring to a development, without misplaced tree retention.
Arboricultural Impact Assessments
An Arboricultural Impact Assessment is usually required by local planning authorities before registering the application. Most local planning authorities require these surveys to be in accordance with BS 5837:2012 Trees in relation to design, demolition and construction.
All our surveys follow the principles within BS 5837. Ideally an Arboricultural Impact Assessment will be produced following involvement at the design stage where the Tree Constraints Plan influenced the design layout. The Arboricultural Impact Assessment evaluates the proposed layout design and its direct and indirect impact on trees. It may also consider any mitigation for tree loss. It is submitted as part of a planning application and provides reasoned explanation for tree retention and loss in respect to a development proposal.
A CAD-based Tree Protection Plan and draft Arboricultural Method Statement is produced as part of an Arboricultural Impact Assessment to demonstrate that trees can be effectively protected during development. The Arboricultural Method Statement will often be preliminary in nature with more detail added post planning consent as part of a planning condition.
Arboricultural Method Statements
On small, straightforward sites, an Arboricultural Method Statement may be produced prior to planning submission as it may be all that is required by the local planning authority. More usually, it is produced in response to a planning condition once permission has been granted, as this is when the detailed design begins.
An Arboricultural Method Statement sets out how trees will be protected during site works, and how works will be carried out near trees, particularly if within root protection areas.
Specialist engineering and methods of work may allow for some construction within root protection areas of retained trees.
A detailed CAD-based Tree Protection Plan is produced indicating the protection requirements to ensure the long-term well-being of retained trees. This might be a combination of protection barriers and ground protection. Areas requiring specialist methods of engineering and construction will also be indicated.
Site Monitoring & Supervision
Usually planning conditions require that tree protection on a development site is regularly monitored by an arboriculturist to ensure compliance. Any works within root protection areas are likely to require supervision by an arboriculturist.
This is one of the most important parts of the process to ensure that consideration of trees on a development site has moved from a planning process to practical measures on site.
We have extensive experience of working with site managers and site workers, and understand the logistics of a busy construction site.
Failure to comply with tree protection can result in stoppages on site initiated by local planning authorities and we recognise the impact this can have and therefore work with the on-site team to ensure the smooth-running of the site continues whilst still affording retained trees the proper protection.
Regular site monitoring provides the local planning authority and client with an audit-trail to ensure compliance and allows for the discharge of the relevant planning condition.