Tree assessment - Planning validation requirements

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Planning document information

Description 

A tree assessment, is a report that determines the impact on trees and hedges at the proposed development. 

Guidance 

All applications must show existing tress on a site and block plan. If there are significant or protected trees on the development site you must include: 

  • a scale plan showing the position and size of trees on the site an on land next to the site  
  • an implication assessment of the proposed layout on the trees 
  • a method statement on any work to the trees and any appropriate tree protection 

The report you submit should include an executive summary and be clear, easy to read and jargon free. 

Your tree assessment must: 

  • cover a survey and appraisal of trees on the application site and adjoining land 
  • be carried out by a qualified arboriculturalist  
  • produce a report in accordance with British Standards 5837:2012 
  • show the trees to be felled and trees to be retained marked clearly on a scaled plan 
  • include a schedule with full information on the amenity value of each tree together with details of species, size, age and condition 
  • include a tree constraints plan showing root protection areas and the canopy spread of the tree(s) on the application site and adjoining land. 
  • provide details of the landscape impact assessment for larger applications including indications of new planting 
  • provide an arboricultural method statement (AMS) detailing the measures to be taken to protect the retained trees accompanied by schedules of any necessary tree work and proposals for long-term maintenance. The AMS report will include a Tree Protection Plan identifying how the retained trees will be protected during construction 

If we grant your application full planning permission, you will not need separate consent for tree works which are required to implement it. 

However, you will need to submit a separate application if you want to carry out work to: 

  • tress which are not required to implement the planning permission 
  • to protected trees covered by a tree preservation order 
  • trees within a conservation area 

You can find out more information on trees and hedges by reading our information on trees and the law. 

You can also talk to our Landscape team for more help and advice.  

You can get detailed feedback on your proposal by using our pre-application advice service. 

Personal and confidential statement 

We may publish any information you submit as part of your application. You must tell us if there is any information you do not want us to publish when you submit your application.  

If however, we believe that this information is in the public interest, we reserve the right to publish it.  

We may also decide parts of your submission are not in the public interest and may redact this information. This information may include telephone numbers, email addresses and signatures. 

When you need to submit this information

Depending on the details of your application, you may have to submit a tree assessment when you are submitting an application for: 

If your application is for one of these types of planning permission, you need to submit a tree assessment if your proposal; 

  • will potentially affect any trees or hedges 
  • is for development in a conservation area 
  • is primarily concerned with new residential or commercial use 
Validation requirements

Required by 

  • National requirement. You can find details of this requirement in section12 of the National Planning Policy Framework 
  • Local requirement. You can find details of this requirement in: 
    • Local plan policy - LPP1
    • Local plan policy - LPP63
    • Local plan policy - LPP67
    • Local plan policy - LPP65
    • Local plan policy - LPP52
    • Local plan policy - SP7

These policies can be found in the Local Plan 2013 - 2033 document