BS5837 Tree Surveys for Planning Applications in Cumbria

What is a BS5837 Tree Survey?

A BS5837 tree survey records the condition, quality and constraints of trees on or adjacent to a development site. The information gathered during the survey helps inform the design of buildings, access routes and service runs so that suitable trees can be retained where possible.

This process ensures that trees and development proposals can coexist successfully while satisfying the requirements of the local planning authority.

What Does a BS5837 Report Include?

A BS5837 report typically includes:

• Tree survey schedule
• Tree constraints plan (TCP)
• Arboricultural impact assessment (AIA)
• Arboricultural method statement (AMS)
• Tree protection plan (TPP)

These documents demonstrate how trees have been considered within the design and how they will be protected during construction.

Tree Constraints Plan (TCP)

A Tree Constraints Plan (TCP) is prepared using the information collected during a BS5837 tree survey. The plan shows the position of existing trees, their canopy spread and their Root Protection Areas (RPA).

This information identifies the areas of a site where development may be restricted due to the presence of trees. The Tree Constraints Plan is used by architects and designers during the early stages of a project to help position buildings, access routes and services while retaining important trees.

Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA)

An Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA) evaluates how a proposed development may affect existing trees on a site.

Using the data collected during the BS5837 tree survey, the assessment considers potential impacts such as tree removal, changes to ground levels, construction within root protection areas and potential damage during development.

The Arboricultural Impact Assessment forms part of the planning submission and demonstrates how suitable trees will be retained and managed as part of the development.

Arboricultural Method Statement (AMS)

An Arboricultural Method Statement (AMS) sets out the construction methods that will be used when building near trees.

It explains how works such as excavation, surfacing, drainage installation and foundation construction will be carried out in a way that protects tree roots and avoids damage to retained trees.

The Arboricultural Method Statement is typically required where development takes place within or close to Root Protection Areas identified during a BS5837 tree survey.

Tree Protection Plan (TPP)

A Tree Protection Plan (TPP) shows the protective measures that must be installed on site before construction begins.

This plan identifies the location of protective fencing, ground protection and construction exclusion zones designed to safeguard retained trees during development.

The Tree Protection Plan ensures that the recommendations of the BS5837 tree survey and Arboricultural Method Statement are implemented on site.