Trees and Planning Permission

Successfully taking tree issues through the planning process is a fundamental aspect of the arboricultural team’s work at Temple. This can often be an area of uncertainty and can lead to project delays and even fines if not dealt with correctly. Our Principal Consultant, Jacqueline Waring, has over 28 years in trees and development and discusses how to avoid these issues.

When seeking planning consent to develop sites with trees, there are several key steps to be taken, starting with expert tree assessment, moving through tree protection planning and impact assessment, and culminating in fully scheduled commitment to on site arboricultural supervision where appropriate. If approached in the wrong way, or in the wrong order, expensive and frustrating delays can result. It can take a significant amount of time for tree-related proposals to make their way through planning unless they are, from the outset, correctly sequenced, set out, and submitted.

There are several things to consider with regard to tree issues and planning, they can vary depending on your Local Planning Authority (LPA), these are just some of the areas of consideration:

• Consideration of Tree Preservation Orders (TPO). You must apply for consent to carry out work on a tree that is subject to a Tree Preservation Order.
• Trees in conservation areas. If a tree is not subject to a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) but is in a conservation area, there will also need to be permission for tree work.
• Permitted development. Applications must be done to the LPA if you require to work on a protected tree where you are carrying out a development where full planning permission is not needed.
• Planning permission. Where full planning permission has been granted applications to carry out work to protected trees might still be required so you will need to check with your local LPA.

Here at Temple, our arboricultural team uses their collective expertise to steer tree-related development proposals consistently in the right direction to achieve timely consents. Our team and is supported by an accomplished team with BS 5837, CAVAT, QTRA tree risk assessment, autoCAD, i-Tree, and GIS experience.

We’re proud of our reputation for building quality client relationships. Whether you are in the early stages of considering land purchase or development, or if you have come up against tree related barriers to progress, you’re welcome to contact Temple for initial advice, professional support, and a full range of environmental consultancy services.