Tree Surveys for Planning and Development

planNING & DEVELOPMENT

Planning Reports in Relation to Trees (BS5837)

Current best practice guidance for the relationship between trees and development is provided by BS5837: 2012 Trees in relation to design, demolition and construction.

Arboriculture and planning is the process of assisting decision-making, with regard to existing and proposed trees in the context of design, demolition and construction. Root systems, stems and canopies, with adequate allowance for future movement and growth, need to be taken into account in all projects, including those that do not require planning permission. The space required for any proposed new trees to become established is also an important consideration.

Urban Tree Management provides technical consultancy for trees in relation to development (British Standard 5837:2012), and have been collaborating with developers, house builders, architects, Local Authorities, planners and home owners for well over a decade, and have been integral to the success of hundreds of planning applications. Our quality of work and extensive experience working in the North West has allowed us to build an in-depth knowledge of local planning authority requirements and local planning restrictions that might apply to your site. Utilizing our wealth of knowledge and experience, we have produced technical reports for an extensive portfolio of clients, and work closely with numerous planning consultancies, developers, landowners and architectural practices to meet their arboricultural requirements.

Do I need an Arboricultural Survey?

If your application site contains a tree, or a tree is located within 15m of the application site, you are likely to require an arboricultural report to support your planning application.

For small construction projects on domestic sites, the information required may be quite brief and consist of annotated plans and a tree schedule. Still, if the proposal could affect a significant tree, then the level of detail required could increase.  However, many of the tree survey reports we provide are for planning projects for home owners or small-scale housing developers. We are frequently contacted by people who are surprised to be told by the Planning Authority that they require a tree survey and report as part of their planning application.

BS5837 SURVEYS & REPORTS

Arboricultural Services to support planning applications

Green infrastructure provides a range of spaces and assets that provide environmental and wider benefits. Including trees, hedges and woodlands in the planning of new urban environments at the early stage of development proposals allows the consideration of existing assets and the most suitable locations and types for new assets. We aim to match the site constraints and opportunities to tree requirements on new urban developments which will lead to more successful landscapes, through a combination of planting healthy, structurally sound trees in the right place will maximize benefit while minimizing the costs.

The latest Global Information Systems (GIS) will be used with the latest hard and software ensuring high quality accuracy and specialist tree software to allow for clear and concise mapping.

The Importance of Trees on Development Sites

The preservation of trees and other natural features within both new and existing developments offers immediate benefits, enhancing the site's aesthetic appeal and providing a sense of maturity to the surroundings. This integration raises the overall quality of the development, making it more attractive to potential buyers and increasing property values and marketability.

However, if trees are damaged during construction or if the design does not adequately accommodate their needs, they may decline and eventually die. This not only results in the loss of the initial benefits but can also lead to ongoing complaints from residents and stakeholders. Therefore, careful planning and design are essential to ensure that trees and natural features are preserved and thrive, contributing positively to the development in the long term.

BNG Compatible Baseline Tree Data

Starting February 12, 2024, Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) becomes mandatory for new developments in England, requiring a 10% biodiversity improvement over the pre-development baseline. We offer tree survey data compliant with BS5837:2012 and BNG metrics, aiding in project approval and biodiversity enhancement.

Our services:

• BNG-Compatible Baseline Tree Data: Surveys tailored for BNG metrics.
• Ancient and Veteran Tree Expertise: Management of irreplaceable habitats.
• Mitigation Strategies: Collaborative approach for project success.
• Maintenance and Monitoring: Ensuring healthy, long-term tree habitats.

By choosing Urban Tree Management, clients can save time and money, ensure compliance, and enhance biodiversity.

We undertake development site surveys and reports in Greater Manchester, Cheshire, Lancashire, Merseyside and nationally for various projects, the local authority's in the areas we cover will a request tree survey reports with all planning applications

Before we can head out to your site and conduct a tree survey, we’ll need to ask you a few critical questions about your project. Fill out our quick and easy online form so we can capture the most important project information and provide you with a free quote that includes everything you need to know.

Experts in Trees, Planning & Development who can help with your project

Our BS5837 compliant tree surveys provide a comprehensive report for submission with any planning application for homeowners, architects & developers.