A) Protected Trees and Woodland

Planning permission will be granted for development proposals that do not result in unacceptable harm to the health of a preserved tree, trees in a Conservation Area or Registered Park and Garden, preserved woodlands or ancient woodlands. Consideration will also be given to the impact of a development on aged or veteran trees found outside ancient woodlands.

Development proposals that have the potential to affect preserved trees, trees in a Conservation Area or Registered Park and Garden, preserved woodlands or ancient woodlands must set out measures to secure their protection.

In exceptional circumstances there may be overriding public benefits arising from the development that could justify the removal of a preserved tree or trees. In such circumstances, a replacement tree, or trees, shall be provided of a size and type suitable for its location.

B) Other Landscape Features

Planning permission will be granted for development proposals that do not result in unacceptable harm to natural landscape features that are important to the character and appearance of the area. Harm or loss of these features will not be permitted unless a landscape strategy, which would compensate for the loss or harm, is secured or where there are overriding public benefits arising from the development.

For more information, please visit Chelmsford’s Local Plan here.