Tree Surveys and Reports for Planning Applications
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Email Us: info@flowtrees.co.uk
We provide tree surveys for planning applications, from the initial BS5837 tree survey to the reports your local planning authority may ask for after it. Whatever stage your application is at, we’ll tell you what your project is likely to need before you commit, with a free fixed-fee quote, usually within 12 hours.
Arboricultural Reports for Planning
We provide expert BS5837 tree surveys and arboricultural reports for planning applications across Kent, Surrey, Sussex, Hampshire and London. We support homeowners, architects, developers and planning consultants where trees may affect site layout, development proposals or planning submissions.
The initial tree survey and report establishes the arboricultural baseline for the site.
The survey records the trees that may need to be considered as part of the development process. The report then sets out the trees present, the constraints they create, and how they may influence the proposal.
A Tree Constraints Plan is prepared as part of this stage. It shows the main tree-related constraints affecting the site, including Root Protection Areas (RPAs), canopy spreads, and retention categories.
This information helps the project team understand where trees may influence layout, access, levels, and available development space.
You can read more about this stage on our dedicated BS5837 tree surveys page.
Once there is a proposal to assess, an Arboricultural Impact Assessment is usually required.
This considers how the proposed development is likely to affect retained trees, and whether any mitigation, protective measures, or alterations may be needed.
An Impact Assessment Plan is produced at this stage, providing a clear visual representation of how the proposal relates to the surveyed trees, including any tree removals, the impact on retained trees, and any proposed mitigation measures.
Find out more about the Arboricultural Impact Assessment and Impact Assessment Plan stage.
Where retained trees may be affected during demolition or construction, an Arboricultural Method Statement and Tree Protection Plan may be required.
The Arboricultural Method Statement sets out how works are to be carried out in a way that protects retained trees.
Depending on the proposal, it may deal with matters such as access, demolition, surfacing, excavation, level changes, service installation, and other operations taking place close to trees or within Root Protection Areas.
A Tree Protection Plan is produced at this stage, showing how retained trees are to be protected on site during the works. It will typically include protective fencing, ground protection measures, construction exclusion zones, and other control measures needed to reduce the risk of damage during construction.
Find out more about Arboricultural Method Statements and Tree Protection Plans.
Where required, Arboricultural Clerk of Works (ACoW) input can be provided throughout the construction stage, typically including supervision and site monitoring.
This may include pre-start meetings, ongoing site monitoring of tree protection measures, supervision of restricted works within Root Protection Areas (RPAs), and post-construction meetings where needed.
Subsequent reports can be produced to record site visits, observations, and any relevant actions or recommendations. These can then be issued to the Local Planning Authority (LPA) where required to help discharge or address planning conditions relating to arboricultural matters.
Professional arboricultural advice
Flow Tree Consultancy is an independent arboricultural consultancy. The same qualified consultant quotes the job, carries out the site visit and writes the report, so you deal directly with the person doing the work from first enquiry to final issue.
The consultancy is led by a qualified arboricultural consultant with:
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a First Class BSc (Hons) in Arboriculture and Urban Forestry
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a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Arboriculture and Forestry
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Professional Membership of the Arboricultural Association
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LANTRA Professional Tree Inspector certification
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VALID Tree Risk-Benefit Validator status
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a decade of industry experience across planning and development, mortgage and insurance work, tree safety assessments and practical arboriculture
We carry £1 million professional indemnity insurance and £5 million public liability insurance.
You can read more about our qualifications, experience and approach on the About page
Get a fast free quote for your project
Step 1: Details
Provide your site address and requirements.
Step 2: Review
We consider the site and the services required.
Step 3: Quote
Receive a quick fixed-fee quotation.
Step 4: Survey and report
Once you instruct us, we survey the site and issue the reports
Fill in the enquiry form, or email info@flowtrees.co.uk. Include the site address, any plans you have, and the wording of any request you've been given.
Additional Services
In addition to the core services, further information may be required to discharge conditions, or aid design. Examples of these additional services are:
CAVAT Assessments aim to place a monetary value on trees as public assets. Where tree removals are proposed, a CAVAT assessment may be requested to help quantify the value of the trees being lost.
Where trees are proposed for removal, mitigation planting is often required to mitigate their loss. We can provide a proposed planting scheme, including post-planting maintenance to ensure the right trees are planted in the right place, and have the best chance of survival.
Flow Tree Consultancy can provide tree and vegetation information to support foundation design for new buildings, extensions and other structures close to trees. This may include projects where NHBC guidance, warranty requirements or building control comments need to be considered.
Where a local planning authority has a canopy cover target, an application may need to show the percentage of the site that will sit under tree canopy once the scheme is built and both retained trees and new planting have matured. We can measure the existing cover, project the figure forward over the required period, and set it out in the format the authority asks for.
Planning and BS5837 guidance
For more information on trees, planning applications and BS5837 surveys, see our articles below
