The Council will consider the protection of established healthy trees which offer significant amenity value to the locality by:

Prominent trees which contribute to the character of the local landscape and are considered to have reasonable life expectancy will be protected by tree preservation orders particularly if they are considered to be under threat from removal.

Trees which make a significant positive contribution to the character and appearance of their surroundings will be retained unless there is a good arboricultural reason for their removal for example they are considered to be dangerous or in poor condition. Similarly alterations to trees such as pruning or crown lifting should not harm the tree or disfigure it; any tree surgery should be carried out to reflect BS3998:2010 (as superseded).

When considering the impact of development on good quality trees the Council will expect developers to reflect the best practice guidance set out in BS5837:2012 (as amended). The standard recommends that trees of higher quality are a material consideration in the development process.

Where trees are to be retained on new development sites there must be a suitable distance provided between the established tree and any new development to allow for its continued wellbeing and ensure it is less vulnerable to pressures from adjacent properties for its removal. Planning conditions will be applied to protect trees during development. New landscape proposals for tree planting on development sites should reflect the recommendations set out in BS5837:2012 (as amendeded) and BS8545:2014 (as superseded).

In considering works to trees, new planting and the trees in new development schemes the Council will expect proposals to be in general conformity to and contribute to the aims of Braintree District’s Tree Strategy.

For more information, please visit Braintree District Council’s Local Plan here.