by Do I Need a Tree Survey for a Planning Application in Jersey?
Do I Need a Tree Survey for a Planning Application in Jersey?
If you are planning an extension, new house, commercial development or other construction work in Jersey and there are trees or significant hedges on or close to the site, you may need professional arboricultural information as part of your planning application.
The important point is to consider the trees before the design is finalised, rather than trying to deal with them once the development layout has already been decided.
Jersey planning guidance requires tree information where development may affect significant trees or hedgerows. Depending on the site, this can include a tree survey, Arboricultural Impact Assessment, Tree Protection Plan and Arboricultural Method Statement.
What is a BS5837 tree survey?
A BS5837 tree survey records the trees that may influence a proposed development.
Depending on the site, this typically includes:
- Tree species
- Stem diameter
- Approximate height
- Crown spread
- Age and condition
- Structural and physiological observations
- Retention category
- Root Protection Areas
- Constraints affecting development
The information is plotted against the site plan so that architects, planners and developers can understand where trees should influence the design.
At Tree Matters, our surveying work follows BS5837 principles for trees in relation to design, demolition and construction.
What is an Arboricultural Impact Assessment?
The tree survey identifies what is present.
The Arboricultural Impact Assessment then considers how the proposed development could affect those trees.
This may include:
- Proposed buildings
- Foundations
- Access roads
- Driveways
- Excavation
- Underground services
- Changes in ground levels
- Construction traffic
- Site compounds and storage
- Pruning or tree removal
The purpose is to identify potential conflicts early and find a practical way of allowing development to proceed while retaining appropriate trees wherever reasonably possible.
What is a Root Protection Area?
Tree roots often extend significantly beyond the trunk.
BS5837 uses a calculated Root Protection Area, or RPA, to identify the area around a retained tree that requires particular consideration during construction.
Excavation, soil compaction, changes in ground level and contamination can all damage roots.
This is why the position of trees can influence building layouts, access routes and construction methods.
What is a Tree Protection Plan?
A Tree Protection Plan shows how retained trees will be protected during construction.
It may identify:
- Protective fencing
- Root Protection Areas
- Construction exclusion zones
- Ground protection
- Vehicle routes
- Storage restrictions
- Areas requiring specialist construction methods
Tree protection measures should normally be established before machinery, materials or construction activity enters sensitive areas.
What is an Arboricultural Method Statement?
For more complex sites, an Arboricultural Method Statement explains how particular parts of the construction work will be carried out while protecting retained trees.
This can cover:
- Working close to roots
- Specialist foundations
- No-dig surfacing
- Demolition near trees
- Installation of underground services
- Pruning before construction
- Arboricultural supervision
What about protected trees?
Protected trees require separate consideration.
Before tree work or development begins, it is important to establish whether any trees are formally protected and whether permission is required.
When should I arrange the tree survey?
Ideally, before the final development layout is prepared.
This allows the architect, developer and arboricultural consultant to work with the existing site rather than discovering tree constraints after significant design work has already been completed.
Early surveying can often save time, redesign costs and delays later in the planning process.
Tree surveys and development advice in Jersey
Tree Matters provides professional arboricultural surveying and practical tree-management support throughout Jersey.
We can assist homeowners, architects, developers, property professionals and contractors with:
- Tree Surveys
- BS5837 Surveys
- Arboricultural Impact Assessments
- Tree Protection Plans
- Arboricultural Method Statements
- Tree inspections
- Tree works associated with development
- Tree and vegetation management
Because Tree Matters also carries out practical arboricultural operations, we understand both the consultancy side and the realities of working around trees, machinery, access restrictions and construction sites.
If you are considering a development and are unsure what tree information may be required, contact us early in the design process.