The Local Planning Authority has a duty to consider the impact of development proposals on existing trees within a site, whether subject to statutory protection or not. British Standard 5837 Trees in Relation to Design, Demolition and Construction – Recommendations provides current best practice advice. This standard requires that arboricultural advice is obtained at the very outset of any development and that advice and supervision is continued through to final completion.
Initial Feasibility
CBA Trees can provide an overview assessment of the trees on site to identify the main arboricultural features with an indication of their quality. This information can assist with development potential.
Pre Planning Information – BS5837 Tree Survey
CBA Trees will undertake an initial Tree Survey of the site. Trees will be graded to provide information on their value within the landscape. Root Protection Areas (RPA) are calculated and included on the tree survey plan.
A Constraints plan would show the developable area clearly defined to provide a design tool on which initial site layouts can be developed. If followed, it can greatly reduce potential conflicts between the proposed layout and the existing trees, significantly reducing the time spent on redesigning/amendments.
Arboricultural Impact Assessment
CBA Trees provides assessments of proposed layouts highlighting areas of conflict to be overcome at the design stage and therefore minimising delay during the planning process. Where minor conflicts cannot be resolved special engineering measures can be advised to overcome any impact with retained trees.
Arboricultural Development and Method Statements (ADS and AMS)
This document provides detailed advice on all tree protection requirements from site initiation through to final completion. It aims to support the Planning Application and provides a working document for site personnel.
Planning Conditions
Planning Conditions can be imposed following the granting of Planning Consent to ensure certain actions are undertaken as part of any development. Discharge of Conditions is essential as failing to do so could result in prosecution, stop notice and/ impact the ability to sell the development on completion.
CBA Trees can assist clients in successful discharge of Planning Conditions in relation to trees in order to ensure those trees identified for retention are maintained in a safe and healthy condition.
