Development and Planning

Tree Sense provide full Arboricultural Impact Assessments in accordance with

BS 5837:2012 Trees in relation to design, demolition and construction - Recommendations.

Arboricultural Impact Assessments are commonly required in the process of obtaining planning permission for new development projects.

The British Standard 5837:2012 sets out guidelines to be followed to ensure trees are protected from unnecessary removal and good quality retained trees are protected from the construction activities taking place around them.

An Arboricultural Consultant's input and expertise is necessary right from the start of the development project in the design and planning phases, right through to completion of the project and post development aftercare.

A BS 5837 : 2012 survey and report is necessary to firstly identify the tree constraints at a site, in terms of determining the feasibility of any development proposal and secondly, to ensure trees are safeguarded throughout the course of any development project.

The report will include all necessary procedures and recommendations to be employed at the site by first understanding the tree constraints and then working to ensure the new development and trees can co exist harmoniously. 

The Arboricultural Impact Assessment report will provide guidance on scheme feasibility and the controls to be employed to ensure trees do not suffer from the potential ill effects of development and construction activity.

Following a tree survey, the Arboricultural Impact Assessment follows a distinctive process and timeline:

• Ascertain the tree constraints to a development proposal (evaluating on site and off site trees in close proximity);

• Assist Architects and Project Managers with conceptual and final designs of development schemes;

• Advise on pre- development tree surgery work with focus on the long term retention of good quality trees;

• Explore tree friendly engineering solutions for new structures - (i.e. for building foundations, utility services);

• Advise on tree root friendly solutions for new hard surfaces near to trees - (methodology and specification);

• Design and layout of on site Construction Exclusion Zones (CEZ), as required to protect trees from the potentially adverse effects of development activity.;

• CEZs typically include the use of temporary barrier fencing and ground protection measures to the correct specification to ensure robust and effective tree protection above and below ground level;

• Recommendations for demolition and construction methodologies in close proximity to trees;

• Design considerations and area protection for proposed new tree and shrub planting;

• Tree Protection Plan (TPP) drawings - (sample TPP images below);

• Arboricultural Method Statements;

• Site supervision of selected work phases and assigning responsibilities for regular monitoring of installed tree protection measures throughout all development phases until completion;

• Post development tree management and aftercare programming.

An Arboricultural Impact Assessment, conducted in accordance with BS 5837:2012 provides Private Homeowner Clients, Architects and Commercial Developers with the correct guidelines and procedures to ensure the standard is adhered to from the outset of the project, through to completion.

We provide a full BS 5837:2012 consultancy service for all construction projects including home extensions, basements, new home build developments, existing property re-developments, garden outbuildings, driveways and patios.

Contact Us today to discuss your project further with us or arrange an on site consultation meeting.