Trees and Development

Tree Officers are also consulted by the Planning Department when trees are affected by application's involving development in the Vale. Where developments affect trees of great amenity value the Tree Officers will provide more technical assistance and advice to developers. This does not remove the need to employ approved consultants for tree surveys and design advice as recommended in best practice guidance documents.

Early consideration of trees in the design process is crucial to successfully retain significant trees and to establish opportunities for new trees within the development. Attractive, sound, maturing trees; sensitively located amongst new housing can increase values and quicken sales for developers. Poorly positioned properties, too close to trees will be more difficult to sell.

Several best practice guides are available which set out the practical methods of tree protection on building sites. They are especially useful for applicants who are considering building near to trees. By including practical details from these guides in their designs it can be possible to avoid some objections which might lead to refusal of the planning application. Developers need to be able to identify constraints  and opportunities before beginning the development process as recommended in British standard 5837: Trees in relation to construction - recommendation's.