Trees and Planning
If trees are located within 15 m of a proposed development site, an Arboricultural Impact Assessment in accordance with BS5837: 2012 – Trees in Relation to Design, Demolition and Construction: Recommendations is likely to be required as part of the application.
Our consultants are highly respected for their extensive planning experience; having forged strong rapport with many local planning authorities, we can ensure that challenges around trees can be resolved in a cost-effective way, helping to achieve viable developments.
BS5837: 2012 Survey and Tree Constraints Plan
At Woodsage Consulting, we strongly recommend that an arboricultural survey, to BS5837: 2012: Trees in Relation to Design, Demolition and Construction to Construction - Recommendations standard, is undertaken at the feasibility stage of a development.
Using GIS software, our consultants can accurately plot trees - together with their crown spreads and root protection areas - on to a topographical plan; this Tree Constraints Plan can then be used by architects and other professionals during the design phase. Our approach minimises the risk of abortive costs, by ensuring that the constraints trees pose to a development are fully recognised from the outset.
Arboricultural Impact Assessment
Once the development proposals have been finalised, our consultants will then prepare the Arboricultural Impact Assessment. This Arboricultural Impact Assessment will analyse the impact of the proposals upon the surrounding trees at the site, identifying those trees which will be retained, those which will require further facilitative or remedial works, and those which will necessitate removal. In instances where trees are unavoidably specified for removal, bespoke mitigative measures will be included within the Arboricultural Impact Assessment, with the objective to offset any impacts upon the amenity of the site.
Tree Protection Plan and Arboricultural Method Statement
A Tree Protection Plan and Arboricultural Method Statement will be appended to the Arboricultural Impact Assessment, both of which will assist with the discharge of planning conditions:
The Tree Protection Plan is a working document which should be made available to all construction staff during the development process, illustrating - on a scaled map - the precise location of tree protection measures.
The Arboricultural Method Statement is also working document, and provides the details required to guide construction activities in proximity to trees in a realistic and responsible manner.
Our consultants have extensive experience in working with other professionals and contractors, and therefore understand the logistical demands of construction traffic management and material storage.
Once the Arboricultural Impact Assessment has been submitted to the local planning authority, we will continue to remain on hand, to help resolve any further arboricultural matters throughout the development process.