Tree Surveys and Land Registry Plans: What UK Developers Must Know
Guest post by Green Canopoy Tree Consultancy
When it comes to property development, trees might not be the first thing on your mind. But overlooking them? That can lead to serious setbacks. Integrating tree surveys into your land registry plans isn't just about ticking boxes. It's about foresight, compliance, and earning community goodwill.
Why Prioritise Tree Surveys Early On?
1. Avoid Unpleasant Surprises
Discovering a protected tree late in the planning process can derail your entire project. Early tree surveys reveal potential constraints, giving you time to adjust and avoid delays.
2. Legal Compliance is Non-Negotiable
In the UK, many trees are legally protected. Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) make it illegal to cut, damage or remove certain trees without council consent. Breaking these rules? It can cost you thousands.
3. Build Community Trust
Keeping mature trees can add charm, character, and shade to new developments. Better yet, it can soften objections and show the public you care.
Navigating the Legal Landscape
This is your go-to guide for managing trees on development sites. It lays out how to assess, protect and incorporate trees from the very start. Think of it as your blueprint for balancing progress and preservation.
The NPPF makes it crystal clear: trees matter. Planning decisions should retain existing trees wherever possible and new streets should be lined with them.
How to Integrate Tree Surveys Step-by-Step
1. Hire a Qualified Arboricultural Consultant
Get a BS5837:2012-compliant survey done at the start like Green Canopy. Your future self will thank you.
2. Map Every Relevant Tree
Every tree with a trunk over 75mm (at 1.5m height) that could be affected needs to be surveyed. Even neighbouring trees count.
3. Produce a Tree Constraints Plan
This map shows each tree’s canopy, root zones, and quality rating. It’s the guide your design team will rely on.
4. Use the Data to Inform Design
Adjust building placements, roads, and services to protect trees. Especially the big, beautiful, long-lived ones.
5. Talk to the Council
Engage your local Tree Officer early. Their feedback can prevent headaches later.
6. Create an Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA)
Detail how your plans impact the trees and what steps you’ll take to protect them.
7. Prepare a Tree Protection Plan (TPP)
Map out fencing, no-dig zones, and protection measures. Then stick to them.
The Payoffs Are Clear
Legal Peace of Mind
Stay on the right side of the law. Avoid fines, delays and court appearances. Simple.
Faster Planning Approval
Planners love it when you tick the environmental boxes. Your application is more likely to glide through.
Community Support
People notice when you care about the landscape. It builds goodwill and trust.
Boosted Property Value
Trees add beauty, shade and desirability. They’re not just green, they’re gold.
Environmental Wins
Trees clean the air, reduce heat, support wildlife, and soak up carbon. Keeping them is a no-brainer.
Rooted in Responsibility, Built for the Future
Tree surveys aren’t just a planning hurdle. They’re a golden opportunity to design smarter, build better, and show you care. Whether you're developing a single plot or an entire estate, integrating tree data into your land registry plans is the mark of a forward-thinking professional. It safeguards your project, satisfies the regulators, and supports our shared environment. What’s not to love?
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