Policy information sourced from Redbridge Local Plan

LP38: Protecting Trees and Enhancing the Landscape

The Council will seek to maintain tree coverage in the borough and increase provision in areas of defciency by:

  • Supporting development which integrates trees and other landscape features into design and layout;
  • Supporting the retention of existing trees and landscape features where these can make a positive contribution and do not adversely impact upon the deliverability of the overall development; and
  • Supporting development which provides appropriate new trees, shrubs and other vegetation in a manner which is integrated into the design and layout of the development, maximises their longevity and minimises maintenance.

In determining which trees or other landscape features to retain in new development, key considerations are:

  • Whether they are subject of any statutory protection (Tree Preservation Order or Conservation Area control);
  • Their retention value according to British Standards Recommendations;
  • Their contribution to local character and amenity;
  • Their ecological value;
  • Their role in providing screening to adjoining properties;
  • Their age, condition and suitability in the context of the proposed development;
  • The impact of their retention on the deliverability of the overall development and the relative benefts of retention or removal; and
  • Efective measures must be employed to protect such trees and landscape features during construction phases.

Removal of tree(s) may be permitted if:

  • It is necessary in the interest of good arboricultural practice; or
  • The benefts of the development outweigh the tree’s amenity value and broader environmental benefts.

Implementation

The Council will discharge its statutory functions with respect to trees by making Tree Preservation Orders (TPO) where appropriate, determining notifcations of works to trees within Conservation Areas and requiring the preservation or planting of trees when planning permission is granted for development;

The Council will promote the planting of additional trees and landscaping within the borough particularly in areas of tree defciency;

The Council will continue to develop its evidence base regarding trees and landscaping within the borough in order to document the contribution trees and landscaping make to the natural and social environment of the borough and to assist in the implementation of this policy; and

Further guidance on protecting trees and enhancing the landscape is provided in the Trees and Landscaping SPD.

For more information please see the Local Plan