Tree Surveys For Planning

If there are trees on or nearby a proposed development, your planning application will need a BS:5837:2012 tree survey. As part of the BS5837 tree survey, there are a number of individual documents that local authorities could ask for. Without this paperwork, trees can become a real issue when trying to secure planning permission.

To carry out work on a tree protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO), you must get permission from your planning authority. Damaging or carrying out work on a tree protected by an Order without getting planning permission from the Council is guilty of an offence.

At AWA Trees, we know what information councils are looking for and can provide this in professional clear reports, maximising your chances of planning success.

If you’d like an informal chat about the trees on a potential development site or require a document that will support your planning application, please get in touch to see how we can help.

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Tree Surveys For Planning & Development

Generally, tree surveys for planning applications are required when trees are on your site or within influencing distance of the development site. If you are building near trees, local authorities may insist upon a professional BS5837 tree survey. On top of this, they may also require an arboricultural impact assessment and arboricultural method statement.

Below, we summarise the types of survey reports for planning:

Tree Survey For Planning To BS5837

The BS5837 tree survey is a thorough assessment carried out by arboricultural experts to assess the trees on a development site. The purpose of this report is to identify the quality of trees on the site. Without one, councils may refuse to validate your planning application which could seriously delay your project.

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Arboricultural Impact Assessment

An arboricultural impact assessment (AIA) is an evaluation of your proposed development on the existing trees. This document may be required on top of your BS5837 tree survey before local authorities grant planning permission.

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Arboricultural Method Statement

An arboricultural method statement (AMS) is a document that provides step-by-step instructions for protecting trees during construction. Once your planning permission is granted, your local authority may request a detailed AMS and Tree Protection Plan as part of a planning condition.

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Protected Trees and Planning

If your trees are within a Conservation Area or are covered by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) you will need to get consent of the local planning authority before undertaking any works to the trees.

Tree Preservation Orders

A Tree Preservation Order (TPO) is a legal order that makes it a criminal offence to cut, damage, or destroy a protected tree without permission. If someone breaks this law, they can be held responsible, and in serious cases, they may face an unlimited fine in Crown Court.

Trees in Conservation Areas

If a tree is in a Conservation Area you must give the local planning authority at least six weeks’ written notice of any planned work. This is called a ‘section 211 notice’ and allows the LPA to consider protecting the tree with a TPO.

How We Can Help

We specialise in helping clients navigate the complexities of Tree Preservation Orders and Conservation Areas. Our expertise provides you with the best chance for success for suitable pruning or removal of protected trees. If you have been refused consent for works to a protected tree, then we can help you appeal that decision.

You have the right to object to or comment on a new TPO. The local planning authority must consider all valid objections and representations before deciding whether to confirm the Order. AWA Trees can assist with preparing and submitting objections or representations to help ensure your concerns are heard.

Why Choose Our Tree Surveys for Planning and Development?

Find out why clients choose us:

Value For Money

We reduce your costs by using the latest technology at competitive prices.

Experience

A large amount of our work comes from recurring customers which highlights the quality of our service.

Expertise

We hold the Chartered Arboriculturist and Registered Consultant status.

Relationships

We are committed to helping you throughout the planning application process, making the transition as smooth as possible.

Fast Surveys

We know that sometimes, planning applications are required urgently, which is why we prioritise turning surveys around in days rather than weeks.

Tree Surveys For Planning At AWA Trees

We’ve successfully helped a wide range of developments to gain planning consent, from a small domestic extension near a single tree to major infrastructure projects and large scale residential developments involving thousands of trees.

We understand it’s not always just all about the planning process – it’s about the trees themselves and your development. And that’s where our extra knowhow comes in handy. We have the expertise to minimise the impact on important trees and to maximise the development potential of a site.

Get in touch with our team of experts to find out more.

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FAQS

Why Do I Need a Tree Survey For Planning?

If you’re applying for planning permission and there are trees present near the proposed development area, a specific tree survey for planning will usually be requested by the local planning authority. The purpose of this is to assess the level of impact construction activity is likely to have on nearby trees.

What Does a Tree Survey For Planning Involve?

The first part of the process is to undertake a data-gathering site tree survey. This tree survey will record all of the relevant trees within and adjacent to the development site that may be affected by the planned work. Once the proposed layout of the site is known, the impact on retained trees can be assessed as part of an Arboricultural Impact Assessment. From this, an Arboricultural Method Statement or Tree Protection Plan can be drawn up to show how the trees will be protected during the construction phase.

How Much Does a Tree Survey For Planning Application Cost?

Our costs are generally based on the size of the site and the number of trees. So, a small domestic development with a few trees could cost only a couple of hundred pounds, while major projects or large-scale residential developments involving thousands of trees would cost more. We always provide competitive free quotes and value for money.

How Long Does It Take To Produce The Tree Survey Reports For Planning?

We have a team of tree consultants so that gives us the capacity to turn tree survey surveys for planning around very quickly. Site visits and tree surveys are generally undertaken and provided within a couple of weeks, with Impact Assessments and Method Statements can often be provided in a few days. When time is of the essence, we always help our clients out.

Which Areas Do You Cover?

At AWA Tree Consultants, we undertake different types of tree surveys for planning across the entirety of the UK. Please get in touch with us to discuss your specific requirements.