Building and Planning Applications

When trees exist on a proposed development site, some of them may be cut down to enable the construction of buildings while others will be allowed to remain. Any tree surveys taking place on a proposed development site have to be carried out in concurrence with the British Standard surveys (BS 5837:2005) - 'Trees in Relation to Construction'. This considers factors such as the species and size of the trees in order to recognise those trees that should remain and those which should be removed. A tree constraints plan, which comes with the survey, specifies any restrictions on the development as a result of the tree survey. These restrictions will incorporate points such as rooting areas, potential crown size and concerns about shade. Several councils are now asking that an arboricultural impact assessment is a part of any planning application. After the arboricultural impact assessment, a method statement and tree protection plan offers measures to safeguard remaining trees while construction takes place.