Policy information sourced from Richmond Upon Thames Local Plan

LP 16 Trees, Woodlands and Landscape

The Council will require the protection of existing trees and the provision of new trees, shrubs and other vegetation of landscape significance that complement existing, or create new, high quality green areas, which deliver amenity and biodiversity benefits.

To ensure development protects, respects, contributes to and enhances trees and landscapes, the Council, when assessing development proposals, will:

  • Trees and Woodlands
    • resist the loss of trees, including aged or veteran trees, unless the tree is dead, dying or dangerous; or the tree is causing significant damage to adjacent structures; or the tree has little or no amenity value; or felling is for reasons of good arboricultural practice; resist development that would result in the loss or deterioration of irreplaceable habitat such as ancient woodland;
    • resist development which results in the damage or loss of trees that are considered to be of townscape or amenity value; the Council will require that site design or layout ensures a harmonious relationship between trees and their surroundings and will resist development which will be likely to result in pressure to significantly prune or remove trees;
    • require, where practicable, an appropriate replacement for any tree that is felled; a financial contribution to the provision for an off-site tree in line with the monetary value of the existing tree to be felled will be required in line with the ‘Capital Asset Value for Amenity Trees’ (CAVAT);
    • require new trees to be of a suitable species for the location in terms of height and root spread, taking account of space required for trees to mature; the use of native species is encouraged where appropriate;
    • require that trees are adequately protected throughout the course of development, in accordance with British Standard 5837 (Trees in relation to design, demolition and construction – Recommendations).

The Council may serve Tree Preservation Orders or attach planning conditions to protect trees considered to be of value to the townscape and amenity and which are threatened by development.

  • Landscape
    • require the retention of important existing landscape features where practicable;
    • require landscape design and materials to be of high quality and compatible with the surrounding landscape and character; and
    • encourage planting, including new trees, shrubs and other significant vegetation where appropriate.

For more information please see the Local Plan