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You are here:home > Environment > Trees > Trees in relation to construction

Trees in relation to construction

All trees, regardless of their protected status, are a material consideration in a planning application. This means that where there are trees either on site or within close proximity to the site the council as local planning authority will consider them when making decisions on planning applications for that site.

Appropriate trees of good quality and value can greatly enhance new development, such as providing an immediate sense of maturity to the site. Trees also have many other social and environmental benefits. Trees reduce noise in cities by acting as a sound barrier. They also absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen.

It is therefore very important that an early assessment of the trees on and near to the site is carried out to identify appropriate trees for retention. The retained trees can then make up part of a tree constraints plan.

Questions about trees and construction

1. What happens if I wish to make a planning application

If there are trees on or near the site a full tree survey will be required. This will need to be submitted with the application or it will not be registered.

2. Where can I get a tree survey?

An arboricultural consultant will be able to assist with this document. For a list of arboricultural consultants take a look at the Arboricultural Association website.

3. Why do I need a tree survey?

The survey will help your architect and development design team by:

  • Reducing redesign time as important trees will be identified before the initial design is drawn up
  • Reducing the risk of applications not being registered by Planning Services
  • Reducing the risk of tree issues being raised during the application process and lengthening it
  • Increasing the speed at which tree issues can be dealt with during the application process

4. What is BS5837:2012 trees in relation to design, demolition & construction-recommendations?

This is a British Standrad that recommends the steps that should be taken to ensure that trees are appropriately and successfully retained when a development takes place.

5. Does the application have to follow this standard?

Yes. All planning applications are expected to follow the processes set out in the British Standard Recommendation in order to ensure that trees are considered within the design, construction and future management of development sites.

6. What evidence must be included where trees are identified on or near the site?

The following are required:
  • An accurately measured land plot survey (see section 4 of BS5837)
  • A tree survey (see section 4 of BS5837)
  • A plan showing root protection areas and any above ground constraints (see section 5 of BS5837)
  • An arboricultural implications assessment (see section 6 of BS5837)
  • An arboricultural method statement including a tree protection plan (see sections 6 & 7 of BS5837)
  • An appropriately designed development plan showing all relevant tree information (see section 7 of BS5837)

7. What happens if tree evidence is not submitted?

Failure to supply the evidence could lead to the planning application not being registered or otherwise delayed.

8. Where can I access BS5837:2012?

See the British Standards website

9. Where can I get more information about the planning process?

See the Planning Services webpages or check out the Planning Portal

Related links

This website
Planning service
Other websites
British standards institute
Arboricultural association
Geosynthetics uk

Contact information