Policy information sourced from Dacorum Local Plan 2004 Alteration
99 Preservation of Trees, Hedgerows and Woodlands
Encouragement will be given to the preservation of trees, hedgerows and woodlands (including old orchards) throughout the Borough.
Where new development is proposed a high priority will be given to their retention and to their protection during development. Regard will also be paid to future management intentions (ref Policy 101). In order to minimise unnecessary loss and damage to roots the Council will:
- carefully consider the positions of existing and proposed trees with the proposed development so that a harmonious relationship is achieved;
- require an accurate tree survey indicating trees proposed for retention or removal; and
- require details of proposed underground works and tree protection measures to be submitted and approved.
See Supplementary Planning Guidance ‘Landscape and Nature Conservation’ for further details.
Tree preservation orders will be made to ensure the retention of visually important trees in urban and rural locations, particularly where they are threatened by development. Consent to lop or remove trees protected by a tree preservation order will not be given unless the Council is satisfied that it would be necessary to overcome a serious safety hazard, nuisance or detriment to local character. Where removal is permitted, appropriate replacements will be required.
Where trees which are protected by a tree preservation order or planning conditions have been removed without the consent of the Council, the appropriate enforcement powers will be used to secure their replacement. Where appropriate the Council will prosecute for breaches of tree preservation control.
Important hedgerows as defined under the Hedgerow Regulations 1997 will be retained unless there are exceptional circumstances or there are linked overriding landscape or ecological benefits. Where such hedgerows are removed without permission, the Council will investigate and where appropriate prosecute offenders: reinstatement of the hedgerow(s) will normally be sought.
For more information please see the Local Plan