Trees can be a great asset on a plot, providing an attractive, mature setting to a new home, plus much-needed shade and shelter in the garden. They’re an important factor in planning, too, and their preservation is given a high priority. In some instances, they can be a significant hindrance to building, or even prevent it altogether. Here are the key facts you need to know about trees and planning.
Why do trees matter?
I’d hazard a guess that we can all agree on the environmental benefits of retaining trees wherever possible. They can also add value simply by making both house and garden a more pleasant place to spend time. However, in pure construction terms they can actually have an enormous effect on how and where we can build – and sometimes this impact has to be properly managed.
Surprisingly, trees and hedges themselves do not come under the remit of Building Regulations. The impact of trees on soil conditions, however, will be a factor for your building control officer to consider.
This is especially true in areas that have clay soil – and that’s around 60% of all housing land used to date. British Standard BS5837: 2012 (Trees in relation to design, demolition and construction) is a useful source of guidance.
Protected trees and the law
Tree preservation orders (TPOs) can be put in place by a local authority, thus shielding particular examples from felling, lopping or damage (including to the roots) without express written approval.
A TPO can be applied to a tree of any size or species, but those with a trunk diameter of less than 75mm would not normally be considered. If your project is in a conservation area, then every tree within that zone is effectively covered by a TPO and you will need to seek planning permission for any work involving them.
The post Trees, Planning Permission and TPOs appeared first on Build It.
Article reference Trees, Planning Permission and TPOs
No comments:
Post a Comment