Local Requirements - Tree Survey

Types of application or development that require this information

• Planning applications on sites containing tree(s) protected by a Tree Preservation Order and/or where protected trees on adjoining land are within falling distance of the application site
• Planning applications on sites in a conservation area containing trees and/or where protected trees on adjoining land which are within falling distance of the application site
• Planning applications where development is planned within 15m of a veteran or ancient tree
• Planning applications where development is planned within 25m of Ancient woodland, semi natural ancient woodland or ancient replanted woodland

Excluding proposals for:

• Changes of use where no building works are proposed
• External alterations to buildings that create no new floor space

What information is required?

The impact of planning proposals on trees is an important material consideration, especially where trees are protected by Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or because they are veteran trees or are within conservation areas. Trees and other established landscape features are vulnerable to damage during construction work. Development can cause direct impact damage (collision), root damage due to excavation work and ground compaction by construction plant, vehicle activity or storage of materials. All these can all harm trees on or adjoining development sites.

Where trees are present on a site, or where the canopies of trees on adjacent land overhang the application site, the planning application must be submitted with information to demonstrate that it is feasible for sufficient space to be left to enable the trees to grow without detriment to the future occupiers of the development, and to show effective proposals which will ensure that the construction phase of the development will be carried out without causing harm to the trees.

The Council will expect submission of the following supporting evidence, prepared by a professional arboriculturalist, and in accordance with BS 5837:2012 Trees in Relation to Construction – Recommendations:

• Tree Survey showing tree species; age class; canopy radius and height dimensions; physiological condition; structural condition and retention categories of all trees on or adjoining the development site.
• Tree Constraints Plan - this should provide the above tree survey details PLUS identify those trees that are to be removed by the development and trees that are to be retained. For all development proposals, it should be clearly identified which trees are to be felled, together with the reasons for removing those trees. The Tree Constraints Plan (or Tree Survey) should also identify all estimated Root Protection Areas (RPA’s) using BS 5837 methodology. The above constraints need to be superimposed upon the proposed site layout plan.
• An Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA) to assess the direct and indirect implications of the development on the trees and the effects of the trees upon the completed development. This should include an assessment of both the above-ground built development and locations/routes for below-ground infrastructure, underground/over-ground services and the implications of new hard surface areas on trees and tree roots. It should also consider the implications of level changes within RPA's, contractor working areas, locations for storage areas, site cabins etc.
• Tree Protection Plan - The Arboricultural Impact Assessment should usually include a Tree Protection Plan which establishes Construction Exclusion Zones around the individual trees or tree groups to be retained as part of the development. The Tree Protection Plan must show how the developer will protect Root Protection Areas through fencing to the BS 5837 specifications, or by other means such as ground protection.
• An Arboricultural Method Statement (AMS) will be required in all instances where the siting of development, including all buildings, means of access, service roads, car parking areas and other engineering works cannot be located outside Root Protection Areas identified by the Tree Constraints Plan. The AMS will identify the construction methodology required if constructing or altering ground levels within any RPA’s or within close proximity to crowns and provide evidence that demonstrates the feasibility and effectiveness of the methods being proposed. The AMS may require proposals for Arboriculture Site Monitoring prior to and after construction phase to ensure satisfactory implementation of tree protection proposals.
• Where non-protected trees are present on the site, the applicant should also provide Tree Survey and Tree Protection submissions and Planning Case Officers will usually require such information if they are not presented at the start of the evaluation process.

Further information

• Homes and neighbourhoods SPD
• BS 5837 (2012) – Trees in Relation to Design, Demolition and Construction
• Biodiversity Assets Map

Policy driver

• National Planning Policy Framework - Chapter 2: Achieving sustainable development
• National Planning Policy Framework - Chapter 15: Conserving and enhancing the natural environment
• Core Strategy - Sub-Area Policy AD1:
• Core Strategy - Policy EN3: Historic Environment;
• Core Strategy - Policy EN5: Trees and Woodland
• Core Strategy - Policy DS2: Working with the Landscape
• Core Strategy - Policy DS3: Urban Character
• CBMDC Woodland Strategy
• Supplementary Planning Document: Homes and neighbourhoods