Policy information sourced from Windsor and Maidenhead Local Plan
NR 3 Trees, Woodlands and Hedgerows
Development proposals shall maximise opportunities for creation, restoration, enhancement and connection of natural habitats as an integral part of proposals, with reference to the Tree and Woodland Strategy for the Borough (or successive strategies).
Development proposals should carefully consider the individual and cumulative impact of proposed development on existing trees, woodlands and hedgerows, including those that make a particular contribution to the appearance of the streetscape and local character/distinctiveness.
Developmentproposals shouldensure Ancient Woodland(includingplanted Ancient Woodlandsites and wood pasture) will be maintained, protected and where suitable, enhanced. Ancient or veteran trees are to be safeguarded from harm or loss.
Development proposals should:
- protect and retain trees, woodlands and hedgerows;
- where harm to trees, woodland or hedgerows is unavoidable, provide appropriate mitigation measures that will enhance or recreate habitats and new features;
- plant new trees, woodlands and hedgerows and extend existing coverage where possible.
Where trees, hedgerow or woodland are present on site or within influencing distance of the site, or where there is reason to suspect the presence of protected species, applications will need to be accompanied by an appropriate tree survey, constraints plan, tree protection plan, and ecological assessment. Proposals will need to assess and demonstrate how they are sensitive to, and make provision for, the needs of protected species. The tree survey, tree constraints and tree protection plans shall comply with BS5837.
Applicants shall provide indicative planting schemes when submitting a planning application and allow adequate space for existing and new trees to grow so as to avoid future nuisance. When considered necessary, development proposals shall include detailed tree planting/landscaping proposals.
Where the amenity value of the trees, woodland and hedgerows outweighs the justification for development, planning permission may be refused.
For more information please see the Local Plan