If you are planning a new residential or commercial property development in Watford or surrounding areas and there are trees either on or adjacent to your site or proposed development area, you will almost certainly need to have a Tree Survey Report prepared to British Standard BS5837 :2012 when making your planning application to the local authority.
During a BS5837 tree survey we will plot, inspect, evaluate and categorise all trees and significant vegetation within or near the site or application area perimeter that may be affected by a development proposal. This assessment should be prepared by a professional and experienced arboricultural consultant or it will not be found acceptable by the planning committee. Our arboricultural consultancy has over 10 years of experience, and we regularly carry out BS5837 tree surveys for all types of developments. We would be delighted to provide you with the advice and reports you need.
Why Do You Need a BS5837 Tree Survey in Watford?
Trees are classed as a ‘Material Consideration’ in the planning process, and councils have a statutory duty to consider the protection and planting of trees when granting planning permission for proposed development, which effectively means the applicant has that duty to trees too. If there are any trees within 15 metres of your proposed development, even on someone else’s property, the council are likely to request a tree survey to BS5837 at the Pre-app or planning determination stage, so that the constraints posed by trees can be reviewed and further reports requested if required.
Not only that, but trees provide unparalleled natural beauty, ecosystem services and a strong feeling of connection to nature. If trees aren’t properly considered during building works, you may be seriously damaging your tree without even knowing it! Tree roots spread a lot further, and are much more sensitive to digging and compaction than many people may think. By having a tree survey and obtaining professional advice at the early stages of your development design, you have the best chance to ensure that the trees on or near your property can provide their visual amenity, screening and ecosystem benefits for decades to come, ultimately complementing your development.
The BS5837 tree survey is the ‘baseline’, and data from this will inform whether further reports are required, such as an Arboricultural Implications / Impact Assessment, Arboricultural Method Statement or Tree Protection Plan.
If you would like our professional opinion on a specific site, please feel free to contact our consultancy team by phone or email.
As fully certified and experienced tree consultants, you can rest assured that any tree survey in Watford we prepare will be in full compliance with British Standard BS5837 :2012 and will be acceptable to the council. If you are ready to book a tree survey right now, you are more than welcome to contact us by phone or email to request a full quote.
Areas we cover
We cover most of the South East including Kent, Surrey, Sussex, London and Essex.
