In the dynamic world of development, trees hold considerable merit in the outcome of successful planning applications. They're not just important arboricultural assets but pivotal to the biodiversity of a proposed development. This is why trees demand a nuanced understanding and respect within the planning and construction phases.
This guide delves into the considerations Architects and Developers must hold concerning BS5837 Tree Surveys and Reports for planning, emphasising the blend of legal, environmental, and aesthetic considerations that inform successful developments.
1. What is BS5837 and Why Should You Care?
The British Standard "Trees in Relation to Design, Demolition and Construction to Construction - Recommendations" (BS 5837) (2012) is a set of guidelines issued by the British Standards Institution aimed at protecting trees during demolition, construction and development.
The latest version, published in 2012, applies to all trees potentially affected during the design, demolition, or construction phase of a development.
A BS5837 Tree Survey and Report is an essential process for anyone planning construction or development where trees are present either within or adjacent to your property. In deciding whether your project requires a tree survey or not, ask yourself:
Are you planning a commercial or residential development on land where trees, woodlands or hedges are present?
Are you conducting a feasibility study or preparing an outline or detailed planning application?
Are there trees on the land or within neighbouring land within an influencing distance (typically 15 metres)?
If you have answered 'yes' to any of these questions, it is likely that you'll need a BS5837 Tree Survey.
It is important to understand that Local Authorities across the UK place a requirement on BS5837 Tree Surveys and Reports as part of their planning validation checklist to help ensure trees on or near to your proposed development are given adequate consideration.
BS5837:2012 outlines the steps and considerations necessary to assess, retain, and protect trees within or adjacent to a development site.
Preparing a Planning Application and require a BS5837 Tree Survey? Contact ARB Innovators today for expert guidance.
2. Understanding the Legal Landscape of Development Tree Surveys
Navigating the legal framework of tree surveys is essential, albeit can be complex.
It is crucial to ensure that your development project aligns with environmental legislation, national and local planning policies, and recognised industry standards while respecting the arboricultural integrity of the site. Essentially, tree surveys are a foundational element of planning applications, tasked with evaluating how proposed developments interact with existing trees.
The legal terrain may shift across various regions of England, Scotland and Wales, but the underlying principle is steadfast: the dual goals of preserving significant trees and facilitating sustainable development.
This is where the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) comes into play, emphasising the importance of integrating trees and other natural elements into planning and development processes. The NPPF advocates for a balance between environmental conservation and the need for new developments, highlighting the role of trees in enhancing the quality of built environments.
BS5837:2012 guidelines are pivotal in this context, offering a structured approach to conducting tree surveys for planning. These guidelines serve as a comprehensive manual for assessing the impact of development on trees and setting out measures to protect them.
For guidance that combines in-depth understanding with practical application, we're here to help.
Incorporating the NPPF and adhering to BS5837 guidelines are not merely regulatory hurdles. They represent an opportunity to integrate environmental stewardship into your projects, enhancing their value and sustainability.
Understanding and applying these legal and best practice frameworks is crucial for the success of your development projects. It ensures that your work contributes positively to the urban canopy, supports biodiversity, and adheres to the highest standards of environmental care. Let ARB Innovators assist you in achieving these goals, ensuring your project’s success from the ground up.
We’ll help you navigate the complexities of tree surveys, ensuring your projects are both compliant and conducive to sustainable development.
3. The Step-by-Step BS5837 Process Simplified
STAGE 1: Initial BS5837 Tree Survey, Tree Identification and Categorisation
For successful planning applications involving trees on or near your site, BS5837 Tree Surveys and a precise Tree Constraints Plan isn't just an option – it is an essential requirement for successfully integrating trees into your development. Stage 1 (as we call it) is almost always required.
This stage sets the foundation for decision-making throughout the project.
The initial walkover Tree Survey informs you of the retention value of your trees, and their above and below-ground constraints including root protection areas (RPA).
The Tree Constraints Plan is produced as your trusted guide. It pinpoints areas of your site where development should be focussed without compromising the health of your trees or the amenity value of your home, development and the local area.
BS5837 Tree Surveys and Tree Constraints Plans are essential and help ensure that trees and development harmoniously coexist.
A BS5837 Tree Survey is typically a minimum requirement to validate your planning application. Our approach to BS5837 Tree Surveys is anything but the "minimum".
We're not just Arboricultural Consultants; we're your strategic partners for BS5837 Tree Surveys.
STAGE 2: Arboricultural Impact Assessment and Tree Retention Removals Plan
An Arboricultural Impact Assessment (or AIA) is a written report which outlines an objective assessment of how the proposed development could affect each tree recorded during the tree survey.
Our Arboricultural Impact Assessment will summarise the findings of the BS5837 tree survey and, most significantly, will outline an objective assessment of how to balance the development requirements with tree retention and removal.
We achieve this by determining which trees are more suitable of retention and integration into the proposed development. The four categories mentioned in Table 1 of BS5837:2012, defined as four letters, A, B, C, and U, have an impact on this assessment.
CATEGORY A - TREES OF HIGH QUALITY
Category A is the highest, reserved for trees of high quality. Trees that are particularly good examples of their species, especially if rare or unusual; trees, groups or woodlands of particular visual amenity importance or of significant conservation, historical, commemorative or other value (e.g. ancient, veteran trees or wood‐pasture).
CATEGORY B - TREES OF MODERATE QUALITY
Trees that might be included in category A, but are downgraded because of impaired condition (e.g. presence of significant though remediable defects). Trees with collective landscape value and with material conservation or other cultural value.
CATEGORY C - TREES OF LOW QUALITY
Unremarkable trees of very limited merit or such impaired condition that they do not qualify in higher categories. Category C is often assigned to trees of small proportions which may be more readily replaced with little residual impacts. These trees, groups and woodlands often offer little to no material conservation or other cultural value.
CATEGORY U - TREES OF LOW QUALITY
Trees assigned as category U are those in such a condition that they cannot realistically be retained as living
trees in the context of the current land use for longer than 10 years. These trees will have serious, irremediable, structural defect, are dead or are showing signs of significant, immediate, and irreversible overall decline.
Essentially, we demonstrate your ability to retain and protect higher quality trees (A and B), while providing mitigation measures for impacts, or clear justification for allowing the removal of lower-quality trees (C and U), alongside compensatory measures.
Our approach to Arboricultural Impact Assessments (AIA) isn't just about ticking boxes to meet BS5837 and local planning validation requirements.
Whilst that's important, our approach is more about guiding you on the value of your trees to make informed decisions on their retention or removal, helping shape your project and its integration with our unique and valuable landscape.
Want to ensure your development is compliant? Let's talk about your tree survey needs.
STAGE 3: Arboricultural Method Statement and Tree Protection Plan
An Arboricultural Method Statement (AMS) outlines measures to mitigate any negative impacts, ensuring the protection of trees deemed valuable to the site.
An AMS is not always required. For example, an outline planning application would not be accompanied by an AMS as there is often insufficient information and details pertaining to earthworks, final positioning of roads or points of access, and the rerouting or installation of underground services.
While not always required, an Arboricultural Method Statement and Tree Protection Plan are a valuable tool for ensuring the protection of trees during development. On Sites where protected or valuable trees recommended for retention are in close proximity to construction, your local planning authority may approve a planning application subject to pre-commencement planning conditions which will need to be discharged.
One of these conditions your local planning authority may impose is for an AMS and Tree Protection Plan. They will expect the AMS to outline detailed steps for tree protection identified following the BS5837 Tree Survey and during he production of the Arboricultural Impact Assessment. It's important to consult with our experienced consultants who can provide tailored guidance on when an AMS is required and how to make the most of this valuable resource.
Our AMS are more than just a set of documents; they're your comprehensive step-by step guide to tree protection and safeguarding trees throughout the construction process.
We've crafted them in a clear and concise format for ease of interpretation.
Our AMS doesn't stop at outlining protection measures; they contain a series of Technical Guidance Notes (TGNs) which provide invaluable guidance for contractors, detailing when and how tree-related protection measures should be executed.
4. The Crucial Role of Trees in Urban Development
Environmental Considerations and Biodiversity
Trees are the lungs of our urban landscapes, playing a vital role in enhancing biodiversity and mitigating the environmental impacts of development.
A well-conducted BS5837 tree survey will highlight how to preserve these natural assets, ensuring your project contributes positively to the local ecosystem. This consideration goes beyond legal compliance, aligning with a growing societal demand for sustainable and environmentally responsible development.
Aesthetic and Property Value Implications
Beyond their environmental, ecosystem services benefits, trees add immeasurable mature and established aesthetic value to developments, potentially increasing property values.
They offer a visual appeal, create a sense of place, and provide a living link to the area's heritage. Recognising this value is not just about preserving the many benefits of trees but strategically integrating them into your designs to enhance the overall appeal and marketability of your development.
Maximize the potential of your project with strategic tree preservation. Learn how we can help.
We have over 15 years experience and expertise in providing tree surveys and reports for planning, having worked on large and small-scale household and commercial projects for a range of clients, across the UK.
5. Navigating Tree Preservation Orders
Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) and Conservation Areas represent significant considerations in the planning stage of any development. These designations can profoundly impact your project, restricting actions that may affect protected trees.
Understanding and navigating these restrictions is crucial, requiring a detailed and knowledgeable approach to tree surveys.
ARB Innovators excels in this area, offering expert advice and solutions to navigate the complexities of TPOs and other regulatory hurdles. Our goal is to ensure your project progresses smoothly, without unexpected legal entanglements or delays.
Facing challenges with TPOs or conservation areas? Let's find a solution together.
Incorporating trees into urban development isn't just about adhering to regulations—it's about respecting these natural assets as stakeholders in your projects. By understanding the legal, environmental, arboricultural and aesthetic considerations, architects and developers can make informed decisions that benefit everyone involved, including the trees.
At ARB Innovators, we're here to ensure that your journey from conception to completion is informed, compliant, and harmonious with the natural world.
ARB Innovators: Your Partner in Simplifying Tree Surveys
At ARB Innovators, we believe in making the complex simple.
Precision: Our tech-enhanced surveys provide detailed insights into your site's trees, enabling precise planning and tree protection.
Efficiency: With drones and AI, we streamline the survey process, saving you time, money and resources.
Experience: With over 15 years industry experience working on 100's of development project across the UK, we understand trees and planning.
Compliance: We ensure your project adheres to BS5837 guidelines, safeguarding against legal and environmental pitfalls.
Our approach to BS5837 surveys is designed to support your development goals while preserving the natural beauty, arboricultural and ecological integrity of your site.
We're not just consultants; we're your partners in sustainable development, committed to providing clear, concise, and pragmatic advice.
Take the first step towards a hassle-free tree survey. Schedule a consultation with us today.