Policy information sourced from the Richmond Upon Thames Local Plan

Policy 42 Trees, Woodland and Landscape

A. The Council will require the protection of existing trees and the provision of new trees in accordance with London Plan Policy G7 (Trees and Woodlands), as well as shrubs, hedgerows and other vegetation of landscape significance that complement existing, or create new, high quality green elements, which deliver air quality, climate change, amenity and biodiversity benefits.

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

Trees and Woodlands

1. 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 and it is not possible to retain the tree as part of the development; or felling is for reasons of good arboricultural practice;

2. resist development that would result in the loss or deterioration of irreplaceable habitat such as historic parkland;

3. 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;

4. require all developments to minimise impacts on existing trees, hedges, shrubs and other significant vegetation on site and on adjoining land, and provide sufficient space for the crowns and root systems of existing and proposed trees and their future growth. Developments within proximity of existing trees are required to provide protection from any damage during development;

5. require, where practicable, an appropriate replacement for any tree that is felled; where this is not possible, 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);

6. 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 as well as large-canopied species are encouraged where appropriate;

7. where appropriate and relevant, require the provision of large-canopied tree lined streets as set out in the NPPF;

8. 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).

Landscape

9. require the retention of important existing landscape features where practicable;

10. require landscape design and materials to be of high quality and compatible with the surrounding landscape and character; and

11. require planting, including new trees, shrubs and other significant vegetation where appropriate, prioritising the use of appropriate native tree and shrub species to help support biodiversity and connect to the wider green infrastructure network.

C. The Council will use Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) or attach planning conditions to protect any trees considered to be of value to the townscape and amenity in order to secure their retention.

D. The Council will seek long-term maintenance and management plans to accompany tree and landscaping proposals where appropriate.