Policy information sourced from the Belgravia Neighbourhood Plan
BEL12 Trees and Greening
A. The tree population should be maintained in accordance with good arboricultural practice. It should be regenerated with healthy and diverse species with the aim of creating a balanced age structure that respects character and heritage to maximise its landscape and amenity benefits to the Belgravia Neighbourhood Area over the long term.
B. In demonstrating a minimum 10% net biodiversity gain, proposals for built development must take full account of the loss of biodiversity caused by the removal of any trees. In addressing the requirements of City Plan Policy 34G (Green infrastructure), it is considered that failing to meet the requirement for net biodiversity gain on sites where valuable trees are removed shall not be deemed ‘appropriate’ unless the proposals clearly meet other strategic objectives.
C. In the event of tree removal and replacement, species that are most conducive to increasing biodiversity and most resistant to the impacts of the changing climate, e.g. drought, should be chosen provided these do not have a detrimental impact on the heritage or townscape of the area. The planting of replacement trees is preferred to the provision of other types of green infrastructure (see clause F) where feasible. The planting of street trees is encouraged to follow the guidance provided by the ‘Trees in the Public Realm’ supplementary planning document (or any successor guidance) and the ‘right tree in the right place’ principles.
D. Where permission is required, proposals to fell, prune, maintain, replace or plant trees are encouraged to do so in accordance with a submitted Tree Management Plan.
E. Landscaping proposals for major development should seek to provide trees on-site and make suitable provision for their long-term maintenance. Demonstration of such provision through compliance with a submitted Tree Management Plan is encouraged.
F. Opportunities to provide other types of high-quality green infrastructure (e.g. living walls, green roofs) within new developments and buildings will be encouraged so long as they:
- can demonstrate how the provision of green infrastructure has maximised the opportunities for biodiversity and its ability to adapt to climate change;
- are easily accessible for maintenance and replanting;
- include management plans demonstrating the sustainability (in terms of maintenance, resilience and long-term value) of any such green infrastructure and responsibilities for its upkeep;
- have appropriate access and watering systems included in the design;
- maximise opportunities to link up with existing green infrastructure nearby to contribute towards the formation of green routes;
- do not use synthetic materials e.g. plastic greenery, to provide a visually equivalent finish.
For more information please see the Belgravia Neighbourhood Plan