First Steps in

Trees and New

Developments
For All Working in the
Built Environment

New building set back Mature canopies bring Mature canopies provide
to allow the successful multiple benefits, including greater rainwater
retention of existing instant character and richer interception and ambient
trees biodiversity temperature cooling

Well planted, well

selected new trees
will deliver the mature
canopy of the future

Xx
Xx

All newbuild to New cycle path designed All low rise buildings Sustainable urban
accomodate the root to enhance the future in this subsidence- drainage is integrated
protection area of growth of existing trees prone area use pile with all trees
existing trees foundations
New multi-storey Utility shared trench to
development designed maximise planting space
so residents have access
to resilient 25% cover
within 25 years
References National planning policies and guidance1 Using this guide
1 TDAG (2020). across the UK increasingly emphasise The benefits that any tree can provide often
Trees, Planning and
Development: A Guide the need for trees in new developments. depends on how well it is integrated into
for Delivery. Trees and At a time when pressure to provide new a development. The principles and actions
Design Action Group housing is high, it can seem daunting below will help developers and their
Trust: London.
Link to make space for trees while meeting design teams as well as Local Planning
viability and housing number targets. Authorities (LPAs)’s tree officers and
2 On climate Yet, by adhering to simple principles of planners to maximise the benefits of trees in
mitigation, see: Forestry
Commission, (2022). good practice from pre- to post-planning, developments. Actions are colour-coded to
Responding to the such an ambition can be met. This short indicate best timeframe for implementation:
climate emergency guide explains how. Before applying for planning consent.
with new trees and
woodlands: A guide to When applying for planning consent.
help local authorities and Benefits every project needs After planning consent has been secured.
landowning businesses Trees are crucial to addressing climate Anytime.
achieve net zero.
Link change 2 and biodiversity decline3, as well as
improving mental4 and physical well-being5 Principle 1: Understand
On climate adaptation for urban residents. Through their impact on No design work, however conceptual, should
see: Gill S. (2009) The
essential role of trees local distinctiveness6 and thermal comfort7, start until the tree constraints associated
– adapting to climate trees can have an unrivalled ability to with a development site are well understood.
change by managing make places more desirable to live in.
high temperatures and
reducing pressure on Trees also positively impact project Why?
drainage systems, viability by lowering local opposition to – Save time and money: the earlier tree-
in proceedings Trees development, enhancing the prospect of related constraints are integrated into
and Urban Climate
Adaptation: a sociable securing planning consent, and increasing a project, the greater the opportunity
agenda for living cities the speed of sales8 . to achieve good results.
19 November 2009.
Link
Fig. 1 Mitigation (ie new planting to replace existing trees) is necessary where tree loss is
3 The Woodland Trust. unavoidable, but it cannot be exclusively relied upon to secure good tree outcomes from
Why are trees important developments. Here’s why:
for biodiversity.
Link Lag time Likelihood of survival Cumulative impacts
4 Green Cities: Good
Health. Mental Health
& Function. University
of Washington, College
of the Environment.
>25yrs <60% >40%
Even with robust mitigation In some cases, up to 60% Within three years, 40%
Link approaches it can take at least of newly planted trees in of existing trees found on
25 years to match the benefits residential settings do not development sites in Bristol
5 Green Cities: Good provided by the existing trees. survive beyond five years.13 were removed.14
Health. Stress, Wellness
& Physiology. University
of Washington, College Even “Low Value” trees may secure good tree outcomes. Here’s why:
of the Environment. In BS5837:201211 , trees considered suitable for retention are divided into three main categories:
Link A “High Value”, B “Moderate Value” and C “Low Value”. While they typically represent a low level
of constraint on developments, there are circumstances where the retention of category C trees
6 See paragraph 1.1.2 is worth pursuing (see Fig. 2) because they are already established and may have the potential
in Trees, Planning and to become ‘Moderate’ or ‘High” value trees in the future.
Development: A Guide
for Delivery (2020).
Trees and Design Action
Group Trust: London. Fig. 2 A typical example where tree retention is preferable to replacement
Link
(based on a real project)
7 Ferranti, E.J.S et
al. (2021). First Steps Before development Proposed layout and Alternative approach,
in Urban Heat for Existing straight road with plantings post-development providing greater and
Built Environment healthy and established Curved road for traffic immediate benefits
Practitioners. Trees and category C trees, classified calming and planting. Curved road built with
Design Action Group as such due to their youth. Existing trees replaced with bedding, around the existing
Trust: London. small canopy trees. trees on site.
Link

8 See paragraph 1.1.1

in Trees, Planning and
Development: A Guide
for Delivery (2020).
Trees and Design Action
Group Trust: London.
Link

2 First Steps in Trees and New Developments

Actions for developers Do not sign monitoring conditions off References
Appoint an arboricultural consultant 9 until receipt of all satisfactory evidence. 9 Terms highlighted in
green italics are defined
at the outset with scope to contribute Ensure that planning enforcement policies in the Glossary.
to the iterations of the design process. prioritise the prevention of tree breaches
Ensure that findings from the and that a temporary stop notice (TSN) 10 British Standard
5837:2012 Trees in
BS5837:201210 compliant tree survey and can be issued quickly when needed. Relation to Design,
tree constraints plan inform feasibility When a serious tree protection breach Demolition and
studies. occurs, serve a TSN. Where the context Construction to
Construction –
Ensure key local policies affecting trees warrants it, communicate to the local Recommendations.
in developments also inform feasibility press about such instances. BSI: London.
studies (eg required approach for tree loss Have a robust tree replacement policy to Link
mitigation; possible obligations to achieve secure equitable mitigation of unavoidable 11 See Section Four
a defined quantum of canopy cover or tree losses eg like-for-like canopy cover, in TDAG (2022),
green area ratio for the site). amenity value, or carbon benefits. Trees, Planning and
Development: A Guide
Place Tree Preservation Orders on onsite for Delivery. Trees and
Actions for LPAs mitigation planting to ensure long-term Design Action Group
Have an adopted Tree Strategy11. protection. Trust: London.
Link
Ensure all land allocated for development When commuted sum payments are
undergoes an arboricultural assessment collected for offsite mitigation, focus on 12 Capital Asset
so that trees, hedges and woodlands financing new planting sites (rather than Valuation of Amenity
Trees.
warranting protection are identified. routine replacement). Link
Alongside tree surveying requirements,
consider embedding in validation (i) the Principle 3: Enhance 13 Ward Doty (2021)
Ensuring sufficient
systematic measuring of canopy cover; Seek to enhance the extent and resilience tree replacement on
and (ii), where coherent with the local of the canopy cover of each site. development sites: a
approach to reducing tree loss, the use Bristol, UK case study.
MSc thesis, UCLan.
of tree valuation (eg CAVAT 12). Why?
– Use trees to meet local or National 14 Garwood. M. (2021).
Principle 2: Retain Planning Policy Framework targets. Living amongst the
trees: is the current
Make the successful retention of existing – Enhance appeal, resilience and UK planning system
healthy mature trees an upmost priority. acceptability of the future development. effective at delivering
tree planting as part of
residential development?
Why? Actions for developers MSc thesis, UCLan.
– Reduce planning risks. Achieve species diversity and suitability
– Maximise the appeal, resilience and to the site conditions16. Where possible, 15 London Tree Officers
Association (2017).
acceptability of the future development. prioritise large canopy trees. Suggested Standard
– Avoid negative unintended consequences Ensure both existing and new trees have Wording for Planning
of cumulated loss (see Fig. 1). a suitable growing environment with: Conditions. LTOA:
London.
continuous rooting trenches; load bearing Link
Actions for developers media where needed; and access to
When proposing significant removals stormwater runoff. Use BS8545:201417 16 TDAG (2019) Trees
Species Selection for
or works near protected trees, use and TDAG guidance18 . Green Infrastructure:
pre-application advice to review the Mandate the use of quality tree stock. A Guide for Specifiers.
tree constraints plan, the proposed Use BS8545:201417 to produce good Trees and Design Action
Group Trust: London.
tree removal plan and an indicative specifications. Demand Plant Health Link
tree protection plan with the LPA. Passports19.
Develop the tree protection plan and Plan and sufficiently resource post- 17 British Standard
8545:2014 Trees: from
arboricultural method statement iteratively, planting care for three to five years as nursery to independance
elaborating on details as design progresses. detailed in BS8545:201417. in the landscape –
Appoint an arboricultural consultant Recommendations.
BSI: London.
to monitor tree protection during Actions for LPAs Link
construction, starting with a pre- Embed into local development
commencement site meeting with the management policies and design codes: 18 TDAG (2014). Trees
in Hard Landscapes:
LPA before construction work starts. (i) quantitative targets on the expected A Guide for Delivery.
Ensure site operatives are briefed on tree canopy contribution of individual sites; Trees and Design Action
protection: highlight good practices to be (ii) an integrated approach to trees and Group Trust: London.
Link
adhered to in the construction management sustainable drainage; and, (iii) suitable
plan and in visual displays onsite. planting specifications for trees in hard 19 British Landscape
Consider the most sustainable use of landscapes18 . Association Industries
FAQ on Plant Health
timber from removed trees. Enforce landscaping conditions. For Passports.
sensitive operations, consider using bonds. Link
Actions for LPAs Identify and maintain up-to-date records
Impose monitoring conditions15 on the of prospective public realm planting sites
implementation of agreed tree protection to enable efficient use of tree-related
measures. commuted sums.

First Steps in Trees and New Developments 3

Glossary
Arboricultural
consultant.
Someone with
recognised qualifications
and expertise in tree
management and care.
Arboricultural
method statement.
Outlines how
construction workers
must work to
protect trees during
development and
mitigate any adverse
impacts.
Canopy cover.
The area of leaves,
branches, and stems
of trees covering the
ground when viewed
from above.
Construction
management plan.
Outlines the approach to
be taken for managing
construction works to
minimise impacts eg
including those trees to
be retained. The plan
will help ensure tree
protection proposals
are practical and
implemented.
Pre-commencement
site meeting.
Held on site before works
start, with the developer’s
arboricultural consultant,
the site foreman and
an LPA representative
to (i) discuss working
procedure details and
(ii) agree either the
precise position of the
approved tree protection
measures to be installed
or that all tree protection
measures have been
installed correctly.
Temporary stop
notice (TSN).
An enforcement tool that
allows LPAs to quickly
address some breaches
of planning control by
requiring operations or
a use of land to cease
for up to 28 days.
Tree constraints plan.
Helps inform the
development of a site
plan by identifying the
above and below ground
constraints represented
by trees.
Tree preservation
order (TPO).
Gives legal protection
to trees or woodlands.
Tree protection plan.
Has precise information
on the location of
existing trees to retain
within a development
site, and the protection
measures to enforce
during the building
process.
Tree removal plan.
Shows the trees to
be felled to allow a
proposed development
to take place.
4 First Steps in Trees and New Developments
Case study Location Project category
Using canopy cover targets Wycombe, England Residential
in development management
and design
Policy DM34 of the Wycombe Local Plan It was initially considered challenging to
(2019) 20 requires all new developments reach the 25% canopy cover target. The
outside town centres and over 0.5 ha to development was subject to ill-founded
achieve a future canopy cover of at least 25% restrictions resulting from a blanket
within 25 years. Within town centres and on application of the NHBC Standard 23 for
sites below 0.5 ha, developments are required low rise buildings in shrinkable clay areas,
to maximise the opportunities available for regardless of soil types, or in lieu of a robust
canopy cover. This is intended to help improve approach to foundation design.
biodiversity, visual amenity, resilience to
climate change and alleviate pollution issues. However, the need to meet the canopy cover
target led to creative thinking and a stronger
Implementation of policy DM34 is supported focus on incorporating large canopy growing
by a supplementary planning document 21 trees. This included tulip trees (Liriodendron
and canopy calculator workbook 22 providing tulipifera spp) in green spaces and sweet
a standardised methodology to account for gum (Liquidambar styraciflua spp) alongside
existing canopy and future canopy growth streets and other hard landscapes throughout
in development proposals. Calculations the development.
are based on soil volume requirements and
individual species growth patterns. It also encouraged the integration of a small
woodland on the northeast boundary of the
If the policy cannot be met through trees site where a landscape buffer was required to
alone, other green infrastructure elements help screen the future development from the
such as green roofs and green walls can surrounding countryside. Here, the woodland
be used. The approach also accounts for habitat provided also helped deliver
situations where easements preclude the biodiversity net gains objectives.
creation of new canopy cover.
The Vistry Partnership’s Clay Lane 20 Wycombe District Local Plan:
Adopted September 2019. Link
development was one of the first projects
that applied policy DM34. This development
21 Canopy Cover Supplementary Planning
will deliver 39 homes (19 affordable), including Document: Guidance to accompany policy
three blocks of flats and 21 houses in a tree
DM34 of the Wycombe District Council
rich, quality environment on the rural fringe Local Plan (March 2020). Link
of High Wycombe.
22 Canopy cover calculator. Link
While the design team had worked with canopy
cover before, “it was the first time we were 23 NHBC Standard 2022, section 4.2. Link
provided with a clear 2
calculation method to Clay Lane development landscape masterplan
deliver canopy objectives within a development achieves the 25% canopy cover target through
KEY
Clay Lane Farm
proposal” explains Isaac Winchcombe, from
Site boundary
Cottages preserved hedgerows, newly planted individual Existing vegetation to be retai
BS 5837 with root protection a
Pegasus Group, the landscape architect for trees and woodland creation. Existing vegetation to be remo
the project, adding “This is very helpful”.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Spring boards - Age 3+ Carousel - Age 4+ Image: Pegasus Group
Balance beam - Age 3+ Play boulders - Age 6-12 Play trunks - Age 6-12 Dynamic bar - Age 6+ Stilts - Age 3+ Proposed feature tree planting
Proposed tree planting
Proposed native woodland
understorey shrub planting
Retained trees Proposed ornamental hedger
9 10 11
New, large growing trees Proposed native shrub plantin
8 12
7
Proposed ornamental shrub p
11 10
12
Other new trees
8 9
7
9
11 10
12
Removed trees
Proposed marginal planting
8
7 Proposed feature shrub planti
Area of proposed wildflower m
NE
LB swale eg. Emorsgate EM 8 m
mixture for wetland or similar
Y LA
5
32 31 33 1 4 Area of proposed wildflower m
V3 33 V5 Emorsgate EM1 basic genera
V1 V2 3
CLA
meadow mix or similar approv
V6
V4 32 31 33 2 13
3 13 13 13
V7
LAP
14
4 34 14 16 Area of proposed amenity gra
2
15
34 34 V8 15
4
2
31 32 35 35 4 16 Area of bulb planting within gr
5 16
1 3 5 17
16
14
V9 17 Seating - timber seat with bac
35 18 Cheshunt 2 person bench (CH
1 6 LB
17
NB
18 bolt down fixing (or similar ap
V13
38
37
36
37
36
15
Timber litter and dog waste bi
LB
39 18 V14 Okehampton Redwood Litter
Broxap (BX17 4030) (or simila
36 V10
V11 6
V15 Grass play mound - to be max
38 V12
39 gradient, and max. 1.5m heig
28 28 27 4
27
37 29 Proposed timber play equipm
39 38 29
30 play range or similar) with gra
30 reinforcement matting to critic
Flat Block A
Amenity Area 7 Flat topped glacial boulders o
Play tree trunks - site won tim
be used (if available) and suit
finished, or externally sourced
22
Flat Blocks
CLAY HI Amenity Area Proposed play area informatio
22
LL
NB - to be metal in construction a
following information:
21 - information on the space
- operational information (rule
- name and telephone numbe
21 operator of the facility with an
report any incident or damage
25
26 23 Boulders within attenuation ba
26
C1 C2
19
23
be located adjacent to inlet to
minimuse erosion and create
within the SuDS basin
20
20
24
24
Apple Orchard
1
5
Revisions:
First Issue- 15/10/2020 IHW
A (20/10/2020 IHW) Minor amend to P15,
removed from LAP
B (21/10/2020 IHW) T2 removed
C (15/03/2021 IHW) Full architect, drainag
amendments following comments from LP
D (05/08/2021 IHW) Red line extended, re
8 and draiange layout
E (06/08/2021 IHW) Bin and cycle stores
F (09/08/2021 IHW) Tree survey informati
G (13/09/2021 IHW) Play equipment imag
Guidance document produced by TDAG, and Birmingham Institute of Forest Research and School of Engineering at the
52
Landscape Masterpla
University of Birmingham in 2022. Funded under Research England QR funding provided to the University 49
of Birmingham Clay Lane, High Wyc
and EPSRC Fellowship EP/R007365/1. This document should be cited as: Jaluzot, A., James, S., Ferranti, E.J.S. 2022. Client: Vistry
First Steps in Trees and New Developments. A Trees and Design Action 9
Group (TDAG) Guidance Document. UK: London. DRWG No: P19-0030_02
Drawn by : IHW Appro
https://doi.org/10.25500/epapers.bham.00004109 Trees and Design Action Group www.tdag.org.uk 0 25m
Date: 13/09/2021
Scale: 1:500 @ A2
© Trees and Design Action Group Trust
15
Copyright Pegasus Planning Group Ltd. © Crown copyright and database rights 2020 Ordnance Survey 0100031673. Emapsite Licence number 0100031673. Promap License number 100020449.
Pegasus accepts no liability for any use of this document other than for its original purpose, or by the original client, or following Pegasus' express agreement to such use. T 01285641717 www.pegasusgroup.co.uk
The authors would like to thank Jeremy Barrell, Sharon Durdant-Hollamby, Luke Fay, Kieron Hart, Fiona Melville and
Vassili Papastavrou, for their time advising on the content of this publication. All links accurate at July 2022.