Policy information sourced from the Barking & Dagenham Local Plan
DMNE 5 Trees
1.
Development proposals should retain existing trees and shrubs where possible unless it can be demonstrated that their removal would provide substantial public benefit or if they are considered unsuitable for retention (e.g., have a serious structural defect, are deceased, infected or showing signs of irreversible decline).
2.
Trees, shrubs or vegetation must be retained where one or more of the criteria below are met:
- it is considered to be of significant value, including ecological value, as per an agreed appropriate arboriculture valuation system (such as i-tree or C AVAT) and subject to consultation with the Council
- it makes a significant contribution to amenity or local character
- it is of special character, age, or has scope for screening other properties or features.
3.
If existing trees and vegetation of value cannot be retained, a robust justification must be provided and they should be replaced by species of at least equivalent value with a preference for on-site planting.
4.
Where it is agreed with the Council that it is not possible to provide adequate replacement trees as part of a development, the applicant will be required to make a financial contribution to the Council’s tree planting and maintenance programme dependent on the specific development and the value of the trees.
5.
Major development is expected to incorporate planting including trees, shrubs and vegetation over and above any existing provision. Planting should use trees, shrubs and vegetation that are appropriate to the context and location of the development site and provide complementary habitat 55.
6.
Applicants will be expected to demonstrate how a development has been designed to allow trees and other vegetation to grow and thrive, including during construction. This includes ensuring that urban planting allows tree roots to grow sufficiently, allows water filtration and avoids soil compaction around street planting.
7.
When identifying locations for new trees, it is vital that eventual root and branch growth of a tree are taken into account when determining how much space will be needed in the future. This is to ensure the tree survives and thrives, and to prevent damage to existing properties and structures.
8.
All trees and vegetation planted in close proximity to flood defences and within the ‘buffer zone’ must have appropriate root containment systems installed, to prevent future tree root growth negatively affecting flood defence structures.
For more information please see the Barking & Dagenham Local Plan