Trees and Guidance for Developers
Last updated | 11/01/2012
Where there are proposals to develop land, and trees of amenity
value may be affected, it is usually necessary to request
developers to provide specific, detailed information. This is to
help us to make a well-informed decision about the proposed
development and its likely impact on the trees.
Guidance is given by the British Standard Recommendations for Trees
in Relation to Construction BS 5837:2005. The following is a
summary of the information required to comply with the Standard. It
is important that the tree survey is carried out by a suitably
qualified and experienced arboriculturist. The survey information
can be used to identify trees for removal and trees for retention,
and to guide the layout of the development.
Both the tree survey information and detailed information about the
proposed development will be needed to inform the planning
decision.
Tree survey information to be provided in the form of a plan
and schedule
- A scaled plan showing the proposed layout and the location of
all trees over 75mm stem diameter measured at 1.5m above ground
level, plus any smaller specimens of particular interest or
potential value
- Location of other arboricultural features such as shrub masses
and hedges should also be shown on the same plan
- Location of features such as existing buildings, services,
streams etc.
- Spot heights of ground levels throughout the site as a basis
for avoiding changes in soil levels around retained trees
- Location of trees on adjacent land that might affect, or be
affected by, the proposed development
- Reference number and species of each tree
- Height in metres
- Stem diameter in mm, measured at 1.5m above ground level
- Branch spread in metres at the four compass points
- Age class
- Physiological condition
- Structural condition
- Preliminary management recommendations
- Estimated remaining contribution in years
- Category: R (=remove), A, B or C. Categorization should be
carried out in accordance with Table 1 of the British Standard 5837
2005.
Development proposal information to be provided in the form of
a plan
The tree survey information listed above is required to assess
which trees, if any, should be retained on the development site,
and which, if any, should be removed. The presence of retained
trees will act as a constraint on the form and layout of the
development.
Protection areas will need to be installed around retained trees,
and it is important that the development proposed is capable of
being implemented while keeping the protection areas intact. This
includes carrying out all the necessary building and engineering
operations, any demolition works, and providing services and
supplies.
For this reason the submitted plans should show the following
details.
- The location of all service runs, including foul and surface
water drains, land drains, soakaways, gas, oil, water, electricity,
telephone, television and other communications cables
- Any changes in ground level, including the location of
retaining walls, steps and back-filling (if no level changes are
proposed this should be stated explicitly on the submitted
plans)
- Location of all site huts, temporary latrines (including their
drainage), cranes, plant and other temporary structures
- Location of site construction access
- Location of storage areas for materials, spoil and fuel, cement
and concrete mixing, and any contractors’ car
parking
- Location of visibility splays (sight lines) required at
temporary and permanent accesses.
The information provided will help us to ensure the retention of
valuable trees for the benefit of all. It will also be used to
avoid situations where trees intended to be retained are lost as a
result of damage during construction or because of other conflicts
with built development.
If you require any further information or clarification please
contact the council's Tree & Woodland Officer on 01738
475000.
