Wharton Arboriculture Ltd provide tree reports in line with British Standard 5837:2005 ‘Trees in Relation to Construction – Recommendations’ (BS5837:2005), which are designed to guide our clients; architects, landscape architects, planning consultants, site managers, and contractors, through the planning and development process, whilst aiding the retention and protection suitable trees and maximising the chances of a success.
Trees can provide many benefits on development sites when retained in the appropriate way and location and are a material consideration from the outset. They have been shown to increase property value and mature trees enhance the visual amenity of a developing neighbourhood adding maturity and amenity value. However, without adequate protection, mature trees can enter into a rapid spiral of decline when land is developed.
Under the Town and Country Planning Acts, Local Planning Authorities (LPA) have a duty to ensure that adequate consideration is given to the retention of existing and the planting of new trees when granting planning consent. This has been reinforced with the introduction of the Planning Portal (‘1APP’), as it is now a requirement of the validation criteria to submit a tree survey/report with all planning applications where trees are impacted upon.
All of our consultants have considerable experience as both LPA arboricultural/tree officers and arboricultural consultants. This experience has highlighted that planning applications are frequently refused on tree related issues when insufficient information is provided to make an informed and judged decision. From pre-application discussions to the final discharge of conditions, we minimise delay by delivering what LPAs require, when they require it, in a format that is easy for them to process. We know time is money, and understand that your success depends on our ability to deliver the right information to the right people, as quickly as possible.
We take great pride in coming up with practical and innovative solutions to the whole range of technical problems that can crop up on development sites. See the Case Studies tab at the top of the page to review a number of examples, demonstrating some of the successful solutions we have prepared to assist our clients in maximise their returns and ensuring LPAs retain suitable trees.
All of our site surveys and report for proposed development follow the information as set out within BS5837:2005, and are always tailored to meet our individual client requirements. There are four main stages of any planning, design and development process where trees are a potential constraint, which include pre-purchase/feasibility advice, pre-planning advice, design and development advice and post-development advice. Set out below is detailed information of how Wharton Arboriculture will assist from pre-application through to discharge of planning conditions and implementation of approved design plans.
Pre-Purchase and Feasibility Surveys
Prior to the purchase of a site or offering a site for sale, we can provide an overview assessment of the arboricultural site constraints. This identifies the main arboricultural features and an indication as to their quality; areas of poor quality trees would also be shown. This information assists in identifying the development potential of a site, allowing clients to accurately assess its real value. This survey would also include a detailed constraints search in relation to the trees on site to identify any statutory protection or other protection.
This information would usually be provided in the form a site plan identifying key areas and a brief report. This would not be classed a constraints report and does not identify all individual trees or groups. It will provide broad indication and should be used a tool when identifying potential development sites.
Tree Constraints Surveys and Pre-Planning Advice
Understanding the complete constraints of any site whether it be arboricultural, ecological or topographical to name but a few is critical in order to design and plan a successful proposal.
The Tree Constraints Plan (Link to PDF sample plan) is produced from the tree survey and will illustrate the root protection areas required for each tree and the above ground constraints of a trees canopy. The affects of shading created by each tree and the potential future growths can also be illustrated. The plan will also identify the retention suitability of all trees in line with BS5837:2005 Table 1. The tree constraints plan should be used as a design tool to evolve plans to the final layout design as it highlights all trees which are suitable for retention and as well as those trees that should not be regarded as a constraint. If commissioned at an early stage within the planning process prior to design plans being proposed it is likely to significantly reduce the conflict between the trees, design layout and ultimately provide complicated path through the planning system as large design amendments should not be required in order to retain important trees.
Arboricultural Implications Assessments
The Arboricultural Implication Assessment (AIA) is a study, undertaken by us, to recognise, evaluate and where required mitigate the extent of direct and indirect impacts on existing trees which are likely to arise from a final design layout implementation. The AIA report will provide reasoned explanation for tree retention and for tree losses in support of the proposed development. This report should be submitted to the LPA with a formal planning application.
Certain trees are considered of such importance and sensitivity that they may substantially modify a design or layout. However care should be taken to avoid unnecessary retention of trees. The AIA will aid to highlight potential conflicts and how these may be overcome for example by the use of alternative design techniques such as specific foundation types or surfacing. Within the AIA there will be a number of observations and recommendations made, which may include the preparation of site specific method statements to either be agreed prior to a planning decision being made or to be included within a planning condition and implemented prior to any works on site commencing.
Arboricultural Method Statements and Tree Protection Plans
An Arboricultural Method Statement (AMS) and Tree Protection Plan (TPP) is a report which provides detailed methodology for particular processes which mitigate issues where trees and development are forced together and potential conflicts may arise.
The stage at which an AMS is required is completely dependent on the site, the proposed layout and the LPA. AMS are often a requirement in order to fulfil a planning condition to be discharged prior to development commencing. However it is becoming increasingly common that where site specific solutions for foundations, site access and working within root protection areas of trees is required detail is necessary to justify and illustrate that there will not be an adverse impact on any retained trees. Experience has shown that this then leads to less but more specific planning conditions be provided which can reduce the timeframe between planning consent being granted and on-site works commencing.
Following the completion of the final design layout being finalised a TPP should be prepared to include the following information:
Trees to be retained, clearly identified by number and marked on plan
Precise location of protective fencing/barriers marked on plan to identify construction exclusion zone
Precise location of ground protection marked on plan to identify construction exclusion zone
Design details of the proposed physical means of protection
Areas of structural landscaping to be protected
All protective details made available to all interested parties showing areas in which access and works may and may not take place.
The preparation of AMS may include:
Site inspections and monitoring with written file notes
Pre-commencement meetings
Location of site cabins, working areas
Implementation of tree works
Tree protection methodologies and plans
Specialist foundation construction
Installation of hard surfacing
Installation of services and infrastructure
Tree planting methodologies
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