When a development site has trees, or has trees growing close to its boundaries, the impact on them and the planning process should be addressed as early as possible.
An arboricultural report or Arboricultural Impact Assessment can help identify which trees may influence a proposed development, how they should be protected and whether the plans need to be adjusted before a planning application is submitted.
At Greg Thompson Tree Surveys, we carry out professional tree surveys, arboricultural reports and BS5837 development surveys for planning applications across Cumbria, North Lancashire, South Wales and West Wales.
By assessing trees at the early stages, we can help developers, architects and property owners understand the constraints and opportunities presented by existing trees before work kicks off.
An Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA) may be required when a development proposal has the potential to affect trees on or around the site.
This could include new houses, extensions, commercial developments, roads that provide access, changes to parking areas, landscaping projects and other construction work where buildings or ground disturbance will take place close to trees.
An AIA considers the likely effect of the proposed development on the existing tree stock. This may include examining:
The assessment can then support the planning process by explaining how tree-related impacts will be managed.
One of the most useful times to commission a tree survey for a planning application is before the layout of the development has been fixed.
Trees can influence where buildings, roads, services and other features can realistically be positioned. A significant tree may have a substantial area where roots need protecting, for example, while another tree may have a limited safe useful life and therefore require a different approach.
Understanding these factors early can reduce the likelihood of major design changes later.
At Greg Thompson Tree Surveys, we assess factors including tree health, structural condition, size, root spread, future growth and potential hazards. This allows designers and developers to make informed decisions using accurate information about the trees already present on the site.
For sites where trees could be affected by development, surveys are commonly undertaken with reference to BS5837, the British Standard covering trees in relation to design, demolition and construction.
A BS5837 tree survey records the characteristics and quality of relevant trees and helps establish their significance within the proposed development.
An important part of this process is identifying the Root Protection Area (RPA). Tree roots can extend considerably beyond the visible trunk, and damage caused by excavation, soil compaction or construction traffic can have serious consequences for tree health.
By establishing appropriate protection areas, developers can plan construction activity with a better understanding of where additional care or design consideration may be required.
Developers should also establish whether trees on a site are protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or are located within a conservation area.
If a tree is protected by a TPO, permission from the relevant Local Authority may be required before it’s pruned, removed or any other work is carried out on the tree. Ignoring these requirements can have serious legal consequences.
Where protected trees are involved, we can advise on the available options and assist with the arboricultural information needed to support an application.
Planning should not focus solely on whether a tree physically conflicts with a proposed building. Its current health and likely future condition are also important.
At Greg Thompson Tree Surveys, we specialise in tree safety surveys and provide advice on issues including ash dieback and tree retention. Depending on the survey findings, recommendations may include monitoring, pruning, retrenchment, ecological enhancement or, where justified, removal.
Greg is also a QTRA Registered Consultant and holds a Arboricultural Association Professional Tree Inspection qualification and has completed VETree veteran tree training. He carries full professional indemnity and public liability insurance.
Good arboricultural planning is about understanding trees before construction decisions become difficult or expensive to change.
Our surveys can include digital tree mapping and detailed information about species, age, health, height, stem diameter, canopy cover and root protection areas. For larger sites and estates, we can also provide tree statistics and analysis to help identify species diversity, age distribution and longer-term management priorities.
For developers, this information can help demonstrate that trees have been properly considered as part of the planning and design process.
If you are preparing a development or planning application involving trees in Cumbria, North Lancashire, South Wales or West Wales, Greg Thompson Tree Surveys can provide the arboricultural reports, Arboricultural Impact Assessments and BS5837 tree surveys needed to understand the site and move the project forward with greater confidence.
Lake District:
10 Main Street, Pennington, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 0JN
Wales:
West Wales base at our tree nursery in Newcastle Emlyn
tel: 07813 784451
email: gregt.trees@gmail.com
