BS 5837 – Advanced: Tree assessment for planning

Tree assessment for planning: A team from Tree Heritage recently attended a course run by the Arboricultural Association  at Myerscough College  near Preston, Lancashire. The 2 day course considered all aspects of tree assessments in relation to planning applications.

The planning process and in particular, assessing trees for planning applications, is a large and important part of our business (although many people still think of arborists simply as ‘tree surgeons’).

The first day of the course focused on how we assess trees and all delegates were taken around the college grounds with representatives from the Arboriculture Association. We were encouraged as a group to assess particular trees and share our findings. This was an interesting exercise as the groups were made up of professionals from many disciplines – Arboricultural Consultants, Landscape Architects, Tree Officers and representatives from Planning Departments. It was interesting to hear such varied opinions regarding the trees, sometimes based on professional experience, but also based on personal feelings as well!

The issues affecting trees during building and development works are incredibly complex but the simple fact remains – if any kind of building work is being proposed, it has to begin with a Tree Survey.

Whether you are the landowner, the architect or the builder, there’s no point in beginning anything until a Tree Survey has been produced. This involves assessing ALL the trees, sometimes even those on adjacent land may be affected. Once the trees have been surveyed, they need to be shown on a clearly marked scale drawing (preferably a CAD drawing that can be read and used by all parties). This drawing and it’s accompanying Arboriculture Report then needs to be submitted to the planning department.

Although this all sounds rather complicated and time consuming, it’s something that Tree Heritage do almost every day. We have a team who are trained and experienced and we can produce all the necessary documents to help you submit your proposal to the Planning Department.

The one thing we all learnt on this latest training course is that we are very good at what we do, so if you are considering any kind of building works – from a small extension on your home, a new building on your school grounds, even a large residential or commercial development – get in touch with us first, so that the application goes smoothly and it’s one less worry for you.

If you have any further questions, either have a look at our Planning & Development page here: Planning & Development

Or get in touch with us to discuss your Planning Application: Talk to us