If there are trees within or close to the boundary of a proposed development, you will usually need a BS5837 tree survey for your planning application.
The survey records the trees on and around the site, assesses their condition and identifies the constraints they may place on the proposed development. It gives your architect or design team the information they need to develop a layout that takes important trees into account.
Depending on the stage and complexity of the project, you may also need a Tree Constraints Plan, Arboricultural Impact Assessment, Arboricultural Method Statement and Tree Protection Plan. These are all services Frithwood provides as part of its BS5837 planning and development work. screencapture-frithwoodtreecons…
What is a BS5837 tree survey?
A BS5837 tree survey is carried out in accordance with British Standard BS5837:2012, Trees in relation to design, demolition and construction – Recommendations.
It is generally carried out at an early stage of a development project so that existing trees can be considered as part of the design.
The survey records relevant information about trees on the site and those close enough to the boundary to affect the proposed development. This includes tree species, dimensions, condition and other information needed to assess the existing tree population.
The trees are also categorised and their Root Protection Areas calculated.
This gives the design team a clearer picture of which trees are suitable for retention and where trees may influence the proposed layout.
Do I need a BS5837 survey for planning permission?
If trees are present within or close to your development boundary, the local planning authority may require a BS5837 survey as part of the planning application.
Many local authorities require this information where trees could be affected by a proposed development. In some cases, the survey will be needed before the planning application can be validated.
It is therefore worth establishing whether a tree survey is required before submitting your application rather than finding out after it has been submitted.
What is a Tree Constraints Plan?
A Tree Constraints Plan helps the design team understand how existing trees may affect the development of the site.
It identifies important trees and highlights the constraints that need to be considered when preparing the layout, including the space required around trees and their Root Protection Areas.
Getting this information early can help avoid unnecessary redesign later.
The plan can be used by architects and designers when considering the position of buildings, access, hard surfaces and other elements of the proposed development.
What is a Root Protection Area?
A Root Protection Area, or RPA, is the area around a tree calculated in accordance with BS5837 to help protect the roots needed to maintain the tree’s health and stability.
The RPA is an important consideration when designing a development because construction, excavation and changes within this area can potentially damage the tree.
The Root Protection Area is therefore shown as part of the arboricultural information provided to the design and planning team.
Do I need an Arboricultural Impact Assessment?
An Arboricultural Impact Assessment, usually shortened to AIA, assesses the effect the proposed development could have on existing trees.
<Once a proposed layout is available, the assessment can consider how the development interacts with the trees identified during the BS5837 survey.
This helps demonstrate how trees have been considered as part of the development proposal and identifies measures that may be needed to reduce or avoid adverse impacts.
What is an Arboricultural Method Statement?
An Arboricultural Method Statement, or AMS, sets out how development work close to retained trees should be carried out.
It provides the procedures that need to be followed during construction to minimise the risk of damage to trees.
Depending on the project, this can include guidance for work within sensitive areas and specialist measures needed where construction takes place close to retained trees.
What is a Tree Protection Plan?
A Tree Protection Plan shows how retained trees will be protected while development work takes place.
It can identify the location of tree protection measures and areas that need to remain protected during construction.
The Tree Protection Plan is often used alongside the Arboricultural Method Statement so that the people carrying out the work have clear information about where tree protection is required and how work should proceed.
Do I need all of these for my planning application?
It depends on the site, the proposed development and the requirements of the local planning authority.
At the beginning of a project, a BS5837 tree survey and Tree Constraints Plan can provide the information needed to help shape the design.
Once a proposed layout has been prepared, an Arboricultural Impact Assessment may be required to assess its effect on existing trees.
An Arboricultural Method Statement and Tree Protection Plan may also be required to explain how retained trees will be protected during construction.
The exact requirements will vary from one planning application to another.
What if the trees are on neighbouring land?
Trees outside the development site can still be relevant to a planning application.
If a neighbouring tree is close enough to the boundary to influence the proposed development, it may need to be included within the assessment.
This is why trees around the site need to be considered as well as those within the development boundary.
When should I arrange a BS5837 tree survey?
Ideally, arrange the survey early in the design process.
Knowing the position, condition and constraints of existing trees before the layout is finalised gives the design team the opportunity to take them into account.
This can reduce the likelihood of plans needing to be redesigned later because an important tree or Root Protection Area has not been considered.
How long does a BS5837 tree survey take?
The timescale depends on the size and complexity of the site.
For smaller residential projects, the survey and report can usually be completed within a week. Larger commercial sites may take longer depending on their size and complexity.
Who can carry out a BS5837 tree survey?
A BS5837 survey should be undertaken by someone with the appropriate arboricultural knowledge and experience.
Frithwood Tree Consultancy provides BS5837 surveys and supporting arboricultural reports for planning and development. We use digital mapping software to record the locations and species of trees and provide survey drawings tailored to each site.
With more than 15 years of experience in arboriculture and qualifications in Arboriculture and Professional Tree Inspection, we provide clear, practical advice throughout the planning process. screencapture-frithwoodtreecons…
What should I do if I’m not sure which tree survey I need?
If you have been asked for a tree survey as part of a planning application, you do not need to work out which arboricultural documents are required before getting in touch.
Send us the details of the site, your proposed development and any plans you already have. We can advise on the appropriate survey and supporting information for your project.
Contact Frithwood Tree Consultancy to discuss your planning application.