Our arboricultural team are experienced in all aspects of tree surveying and reporting in accordance with British Standard BS 5837:2012. We can help you at all stages of the development process, from developing the initial concept right through to construction completion.
We provide robust yet pragmatic information to meet the requirements of Local Authorities for planning applications, ensuring your project can go ahead whilst maximising the benefits trees provide.
Where trees are on or close to development sites, the Local Planning Authority will require a report in accordance with BS 5837: 2012 assessing these trees and their relationship with the development. The report content will depend upon the stage you are at in scheme development and the planning application process.
For an initial Feasibility Study, pre-application enquiries or outline planning permission you will require as a minimum a:
This records information on all trees relevant to the development site, including those close to the site perimeter that may affect, or be affected by, the development. The information collected is then used to produce the;
This sets out in a table all relevant data, including: species, age, physiological and structural condition, height, crown spread, crown clearance, stem diameter, quality categorisation, life expectancy and Root Protection Area, together with observations and recommended work. This information is then used to produce the;
On which is shown the locations of all trees surveyed, in relation to the development site. This is a scaled plan that displays numbered trees, groups, hedges or woods, including their crown spread and Root Protection Area, colour-coded according to their quality categorisation. It may also include other factors as relevant, such as shading of direct sunlight. This plan informs the development layout, identifying which trees can readily be removed, if required, and which may influence the layout.
This information is then used to develop the development layout for submission for full planning permission. If not previously provided you will now require, in addition to the above:
This identifies the likely impact of development on trees covered within the Feasibility Study, including: a Schedule of Work, detailing all tree removal, crown management and other works required to facilitate the development, use specialist construction techniques to minimise the impact on retained trees and tolerate future growth, installation of services, the relationship between trees and future occupation, replacement planting and the scope for layout modification;
Showing the location of all retained trees in relation to the development layout. The location of all protective measures is shown, together with area in which specialist construction techniques are required. This may also include details on construction access and site compounds;
Providing details on how the development should proceed with due regard to the protection of retained trees. This covers in detail the implementation of the Tree Protection Plan and, if appropriate may include a Schedule of Supervision, setting out which key stages should be monitored and how this should be achieved.
Once you have permission, the local authority may impose planning conditions.
