A to Z of services: Trees and Development

Tree cover in Hartlepool is sparse, particularly within the urban area.  As a consequence, those trees and groups of trees which do exist take on a particular importance in the urban landscape, and should therefore, where practicable, be retained within development proposals.

The effect upon trees (whether legally protected or not) and other landscape features of any proposed development is a material consideration when determining applications for planning permission.

The Role of the Council

The Council has a duty under section 197 of the Town & Country Planning Act 1990 to ensure, whenever it is appropriate, they make adequate provision for the preservation and planting of trees when granting planning permission by imposing relevant conditions and, where expedient, by making Tree Preservation Orders.

The Role of the Developer

Developers must give due consideration to the landscaping of a site, as well as the protection and planting of trees.  Landscape design should be considered as an integral part of urban design, since the appearance and treatment of spaces between and around buildings is often of comparable importance to the buildings themselves.

Tree Surveys

Where there are trees within the application site, or on land adjacent to it that could influence or be affected by the proposed development (including street trees), information will be required on which trees are to be retained and on the means of protecting these trees during construction works. This information should be prepared by a qualified arboriculturalist.

Full guidance on the survey information, protection plan and method statement that should be provided with an application is set out in the current BS5837 'Trees in relation to construction - Recommendations'. Using the methodology set out in the British Standard should help to ensure that development is suitably integrated with trees and that potential conflicts are avoided.

Further information on Trees and Development