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For further information, please either contact us or call on 01608 648 657

Quick links to other services
Managing Tree Related Risk - Tree hazard surveys
Tree Surveys - Tree Identification / Tree Pests & Diseases
Trees & the Built Environment - Subsidence and the impact of trees on built structures
Tree Protection - Conservation Areas, Tree Preservation Orders
Woodland Management - Planning and Management Guidance
Wildlife Management - Bats, Birds and Habitats

Trees and Development

Trees are increasingly recognised as a material consideration in the planning process. Almost every council will have a statement within its Local Plan stating how the issue of trees and development will be dealt with in the case of a planning application. Almost without fail, this will state that where trees are sufficiently important to the visual amenity of a location, the development proposal will need to be modified so as to reflect this importance. Planning application nows require that a box be ticked to show whether there are any trees on a site and whether the proposal will be impacted by the trees.

• BS5837:2005 - Trees in relation to construction is the British Standard that provides the definitive guidance as to how to manage the relationship between tree and construction.

It gives clear instruction on the processes that need to be followed in order to give a full and proper consideration to how trees will impact any proposed development. This starts with a tree survey, is followed by an assessment of the impact that these trees will have on the proposal, then asks for consideration to be given as to how to mitigate against these impacts and finally asks for a method statement to explaining exactly how the process to militate against the impacts will be implemented.

• Using proprietary software (EDA Arboriculture) for use in CAD software, we are able to produce plans that can be utilised by other professions in the planning process, which in turn allows us to provide a more efficient service.

• One common misconception regarding the requirements for this assessment is that planners will automatically refuse planning consent if there are trees on a site. This is not necessarily true, as trees are but one part of the whole planning process and there are many other factors to be considered. The requirement for a survey using the BS5837 recommendations is to show that the trees have been given proper consideration, and that they are viewed within the wider picture.

At Tree Frontiers, we can carry out this survey on your behalf. We will provide impartial advice as to what consideration should be given to the trees on the site and will provide you with a report to show how you can mitigate against the impacts that the trees pose. We can help balance the needs of the development proposal with the need to protect the existing and future trees on the site and thereby assist you in fulfilling your planning obligations.