Policy information sourced from the Elmbridge Development Management Plan

DM6 - Landscape and trees

Development proposals should be designed to include an integral scheme of landscape, tree retention, protection and/or planting that:

  • Reflects, conserves or enhances the existing landscape and integrates the development into its surroundings, adding scale, visual interest and amenity,
  • Contributes to biodiversity by conserving existing wildlife habitats, creating new habitats and providing links to the green infrastructure network,
  • Encourages adaptation to climate change, for instance by incorporating Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS), providing areas for flood mitigation, green roofs, green walls, tree planting for shade, shelter and cooling and a balance of hard and soft elements,
  • Does not result in loss of, or damage to, trees and hedgerows that are, or are capable of, making a significant contribution to the character or amenity of the area, unless in exceptional circumstances the benefits would outweight the loss,
  • Adequately protects existing trees including their root systems prior to, during and after the construction process,
  • Would not result in the loss or deterioration of irreplaceable habitats including ancient woodland and ancient or veteran trees, unless in exceptional circumstances the benefits would outweigh the loss, and
  • Includes proposals for the successful implementation, maintenance and management of landscape and tree planting schemes.

To ensure high quality landscape schemes and depending on the scale, nature and location of the development, the Council will seek appropriate conditions attached to planning permissions to secure various improvements. These may include tree retention and protection, the submission and implementation of a landscape or treeplanting scheme, surface materials, screen walls, fences and planting.

Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs)

In considering consent for works to trees protected by TPO, the Council will:

  • Assess the amenity value of the tree or woodland and the likely impact of the proposal on the amenity of the area, and
  • In the light of this assessment consider whether or not the proposal is justified, having regard to the reasons put forward in support of it.

Trees in conservation areas

In considering works to trees protected by virtue of their location within a conservation area the Council will assess the amenity value of the tree or woodland and the likely impact of the proposal on the amenity of the area. The Council will then either:

  • Make a TPO if justified in the interests of amenity. The proposal would then have to be the subject of a formal application under the TPO, or
  • Decide not to make a TPO and allow the six week period to expire, at which point the proposed work may go ahead as long as it is carried out within two years from the date of the notice.

For more information please see the Elmbridge Development Management Plan