Tree Surveys for Planning and Development

Tree surveys for planning applications are required where trees are within influencing distance of the development proposals. When building near trees, Local Authorities insist upon a professional tree survey to British Standard 5837 : (2012), or BS5837. This is a standardised assessment of the constraints imposed by trees at your property or development site. We are specialists in undertaking BS5837 tree surveys for planning purposes. Our tree reports will advise how to maximise the development potential of your site whilst being tailored to meet the needs of your local Planning Department and Tree Officer.

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The types of tree report that Local Authorities may request are listed below. Please follow the links for more information:

Tree Survey for Planning to BS 5837 : (2012)

The purpose of BS5837 tree surveys for planning, and associated reports, are to identify the quality of trees on the site and where their canopies and roots extend. The area the roots extend into is called the root protection area or root protection zone. A Tree Constraints Plan helps to inform where development can proceed without impacting amenity trees and identifies which trees should be retained and which could be removed.

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Arboricultural Impact Assessment

This follows on from the BS5837 Tree Survey for planning. We offer a consultancy service to help you maximise the potential of your site without impacting on trees (which would risk a planning refusal). We advise on the impact on retained trees, taking into account future growth and the impact of shade. We identify potential conflicts that the local authority planning department are likely to have issues with and offer solutions to increase your chance of a successful planning application.

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Arboricultural Method Statement

Once the design proposals are finalised, this type of report advises how to ensure that retained trees are not damaged during construction. The majority of planning applications will require an Arboricultural Method Statement as part of the tree survey for planning if trees are located nearby.

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Ecological Surveys

This type of tree survey for planning purposes examines existing habitats and identifies any protected species that may be present. Mitigation solutions are recommended wherever conflict arises.

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