B2.3.1 Sensitive site planning

New development proposals must be informed by a clear understanding of existing woodland, trees and hedgerows within the site to ensure that opportunities for their retention and integration into the layout are optimised. Taking reference from the Site Appraisal Assessment (C1.1 and G1.1 where applicable) and the Local Character and Context Assessment (C1.2 and G1.2 where applicable), applications must demonstrate within the Design and Access Statement (DAS) through the inclusion of either a plan and/ or written narrative:

• how the proposed development has been designed to minimise impacts on existing natural assets

• which trees and hedgerows are being retained, lost or enhanced and how they will be protected during construction

Exception: Minor applications do not need to provide a DAS and can instead include the relevant details within the proposed Landscape Strategy

Existing trees and hedgerows should be incorporated into the design wherever practicable (for example, as natural boundaries between plots, along streets, in open spaces or as central landscape features) to help maintain a sense of place and continuity, and to reduce the risk of removal where they might otherwise fall within private gardens.

Development proposals should integrate trees into new developments, where the initial steps involve prioritising tree retention, understanding site constraints, and incorporating trees throughout the planning and design process. This includes assessing existing trees, planning for their successful integration, and considering tree replacement when necessary.

Further principles are set out within the First Steps in Trees and New Developments document which is downloadable from the Trees and Design Action Group (TDAG) website.

Applicants should consider further opportunities and enhancements of retained features such as trees, hedgerows and woodland. Opportunities should include the provision of complementary planting adjoining retained features, which should be well maintained and managed.

Existing trees should be retained and removal should only be considered where it can be clearly demonstrated that the design cannot reasonably be altered to allow their retention. Where removal is unavoidable, replacement planting should use appropriately sized specimens. As a minimum:

• mature trees should be replaced with extra heavy standard trees

• semi-mature trees should be replaced with heavy standard trees

Exception: Where removal of any Category A or B trees (as defined in Table 1 of British Standard (BS) 5837:2012) is unavoidable, their value should be assessed using the Capital Asset Value for Amenity Trees (CAVAT) method (or other recognised value system), and appropriate mitigation clearly demonstrated within the proposed landscaping scheme.

Construction works should be delivered following best practice recommendations for root protection (British Standard 5837:2012 Trees in Relation to Design, Demolition and Construction) to prevent ground disturbance and / or damage to tree roots.