We were instructed by our client to survey the trees at a development site and prepare our finding in a report.
The report categorises the trees in accordance with the British Standard, which will help guide the design of potential development, conducted in accordance with the guidelines contained within BS5837: 2021 ‘Trees in relation to design, demolition and construction – Recommendations (BS5837:2012).
A check was carried out at Harrogate Borough Council to determine whether any of the trees surveyed were subject to any statutory controls. We were informed that all the trees were located within a conservation area and 6 trees were subject to a tree preservation order.
In summary of the surveyed vegetation, there were no trees that were awarded a category A retention, there were 18 trees given a category B, 8 Trees a category C and 3 Trees, a category U.
As a general rule, the trees listed a retention category ‘A’ or retention category ‘B’ are te most valuable items of vegetation and as such the removal of these is likely to be met with resistance by the Local Planning Authority.
The trees listed within a retention category ‘C’ are of lesser value and the removal of these is generally less likely to be met with resistance by the Local Planning authority.
Items which are listed as category ‘U’ comprise of dead trees or trees of limited safe life expectancy and are often recommended removal, irrespective of any proposals.
All trees which are to be retained within the proposed development should be inspected on a regular basis in the interests of risk management. They should also have a biennial re-inspection regime, ideally with the first inspection being undertaken during a different season to observe any defects, pests and diseases that are only evident at certain times of year.