JCA Limited was instructed by one of our architectural clients to carry out an arboricultural survey for a proposed development.
The trees surveyed were predominantly mature with a handful of young, semi and early mature specimens. Before the site visit, a TPO (Tree Preservation Order) check was carried out with the council, and we were informed that there was a TPO in force on this site. Before any work was organised, an application form should be submitted to the Local Authority, outlining all the proposed works along with suitable justification.
The tree survey revealed a total of 33 items of vegetation comprising of 28 individual trees, 3 groups of trees and 2 hedges. Of these, 3 trees were identified as retention category ‘A’, 10 trees were identified as retention category ‘B’, 15 trees, 3 groups and 2 hedges were identified as retention category ‘C’.
As a general rule, the trees listed as retention category ‘A’ or retention category ‘B’ are the 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 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.