Connick Tree Consultants are experienced in dealing with planning applications regarding building development near trees, aboricultural impact assessments and creating tree protection plans whether it be for a small domestic extension or garage to an entire new housing development.

All trees, regardless of their protected status, can be a material consideration in a planning application. This means that where there are trees either on site or within close proximity to the site the Council as Local Planning Authority will consider them when making decisions on planning applications for that site.

In order to help the development process the British Standard BS5837 :2005 has recently been updated. In September 2005 the most recent version of the British Standard "Trees in relation to construction - Recommendations" BS5837 :2005 came into being. This standard recommends the steps that should be taken to ensure that trees are appropriately and successfully retained when a development takes place.

A suitably qualified arboriculturalist should be appointed to do an aboricultural impact assessment including tree protection planning, oversee development works and undertake liaison with the council and the developer and contractors during the construction phase in order to ensure compliance with these guidelines.

Note: Failure to fulfil planning conditions or breaches of statutory legislation can lead to delays due to “stop” notices” and can lead to the prosecution of contractors and company directors.

Adequate site supervision can protect the developer from delays, wasted expense and criminal prosecution.