Trees and planning

Planning applications must provide information on existing trees and other landscape features where present. Detail of which trees are to be retained at a site and which are to be felled must be included with the application. Trees within the sphere of influence should be surveyed by a suitably qualified and experienced arboriculturist based on The British Standard BS5837 (2012) "Trees in relation to design, demolition and construction".

Trees are potential locations for bats who may be using them as roost sites. Bats are a European protected species and a bat survey may be required before any works to the tree are carried out. You may be required to carry out mitigation measures.

It is a criminal offence to intentionally, deliberately or recklessly damage, destroy or obstruct access to any structure or place used by a protected species for shelter or protection or to disturb a protected species while it is occupying such a structure/tree. If there is any doubt about any planned works, advice should be sought from Natural England prior to any works.

Pre-planning permission stage

A tree condition survey must be carried out by an arboriculturist of all the trees on, or close to the site. Your design should include any vegetation which may have an influence on the design. In all cases where there are trees on, or next to a site, we expect you to comply with the British Standard.

Trees on the site should be categorised to highlight which trees are suitable for retention. It is expected that trees of “high” and “moderate” quality (categories A+B) will be retained, (as per BS 5837). It may be necessary to have a site meeting with council trees officers at the design stage where a possible controversial decision is required.

During the design and planning stages the following factors should be taken into account:-

• The fact that trees on the site may be protected by a Tree Preservation Order or located within a Conservation Area.
• The impact the proposed development may have on the health, condition and future management of trees, both on and near the site.
• Any above and below constraints.
• Whether the proposed design can be amended to ensure the retention of trees that would otherwise be lost.
• Infrastructure requirements, for example, service runs, highway safety and visibility splays, substations, refuse stores, lighting, signage and CCTV requirements.
• The end use of the space.
• Whether it is possible to balance proposed tree removals with new tree planting.
• The potential impact of the trees on the proposed building and development, to include shading and dominance, future pressure
• The potential impact of climate change on existing or proposed tree species.