Policy information sourced from the Merton Sites and Policies Plan

DM O2 Nature conservation, trees, hedges and landscape features

Link to Core Planning Strategy Policy CS 13 Open Space, Nature Conservation, Leisure and Culture

Policy aim

To protect and enhance biodiversity, particularly on sites of recognised nature conservation interest. To protect trees, hedges and other landscape features of amenity value and to secure suitable replacements in instances where their loss is justified.

Policy

  • The council will protect all sites of recognised nature conservation interest and the green corridors linking them, against inappropriate development in accordance with the measures set out in Merton’s Core Planning Strategy Policy CS 13 part g and wherever possible, secure measures that enhance their nature conservation value. Development which may destroy or impair the integrity of green corridors will not be permitted and proposals in and adjacent to these corridors will be expected to enhance their nature conservation value.
  • A development proposal will be expected to retain, and where possible enhance, hedges, trees and other landscape features of amenity value.
  • Development will only be permitted if it will not damage or destroy any tree which:
    • is protected by a tree preservation order;
    • is within a conservation area; or,
    • has significant amenity value.
  • d) However, development may be permitted when:
    • the removal of the tree is necessary in the interest of good arboricultural practice; or,
    • the benefits of the development outweighs the tree’s amenity value.
  • In granting permission for a proposal that leads to the loss of a tree, hedge or landscape feature of amenity value, replacement planting or landscape enhancement of a similar or greater value to that which has been lost, will be secured through the use of conditions or planning obligations.
  • Proposals for new and replacement trees, hedges and landscape features should consist of appropriate native species to the UK.

For more information see the Merton Sites and Policies Plan