Development which results in the loss of mature trees of arboreal significance will be expected to undertake replacement planting in a landscaping plan to be approved by the planning authority, unless it can be clearly shown that this is not feasible. Arboreal significance shall be taken to refer to mature healthy trees and to include but not exclusively the following species: ash, beech, common lime, elm, hazel, hornbeam, maple, oak, sweet chestnut, sycamore, willow or yew.

Developments on greenfield sites should include an appropriate landscaping plan to ensure the ‘leafy’ character of East Horsley is sustained and which should involve the planting of new trees and hedgerows of native species in gardens, communal areas or roadside verges where feasible.

If mature trees or hedgerows of special significance are removed within 12 months prior to a planning application, the planning authority may require replacement planting to be undertaken by the developer to compensate for the loss of such trees or hedgerows, unless it can clearly be shown that this is not feasible.

For more information please see the Neighbourhood Plan