It is important that when new development is taking place, the high quality trees which exist on the site are identified and retained.
It is also important that space is made, wherever possible, for the planting of new trees.
Retaining Trees on Development Sites
There is a clear and well established process for protecting trees in relation to new development.
This process is set out in British Standard 5837: 2012 which establishes a clear process for:
- Surveying trees on a site coming forward for development
- Classifying their level of importance and their priority for being retained on a development site
- Incorporating their retention into the design at the outset
- Putting in place measures to ensure their protection from harm during development
- Putting in place long term management measures for their care once development is in place
Where a planning application is proposed, and a site contains trees, the developer will be required to submit a Tree Assessment and report in accordance with British Standard.
As this report will form part of the planning application it can be viewed by searching for a planning application. Failure to submit such a report where trees are present may well lead to the application being invalidated and being delayed.
Trees can be a significant asset to a development site and can add to the value of properties. Proper and early consideration can bring forward the right design. Late consideration causes delays and will slow down a planning application.
Planting New Trees on Development Sites
New trees can enhance a development, add value and they provide many benefits.
Further advice can be obtained from Landscape Architects who can be contacted via the Landscape Institute.