Tree Surveys in Whalley: Reports on Local Arboriculture

Ongoing Commitments to Greener Development

A picturesque village in Lancashire’s Ribble Valley, Whalley is intent on fostering a cleaner, greener future, with trees playing a key role in this transformation. The local authorities have already planted numerous new trees in 2022, and this effort shows no sign of slowing. By the end of the year, over 3,500 trees are expected to be planted by Whalley Beavers and other community groups all in a bid to improve air quality and enhance the natural environment. Whalley’s tree cover is impressive, with many trees flourishing in both public spaces and private gardens, helping it rival more rural areas in terms of tree density.

Although a relatively small community compared to larger urban areas, Whalley’s commitment to increasing its green spaces is commendable. The focus on greener development hasn’t come at the expense of progress either. Recent local projects have aimed to balance sustainable development with environmental preservation, supporting both new housing developments and the expansion of local infrastructure while maintaining a dedication to protecting natural beauty.

For developers and homeowners, these initiatives present exciting opportunities to improve existing properties or repurpose underused sites. It’s important to note, however, that while trees are an asset, they must be carefully considered during development. A professional tree survey is critical to ensuring that trees are protected and incorporated into development plans where possible.

Platforms for Protecting Native Trees

The plentiful tree population throughout Whalley means that any development project in the area is likely to encounter one or more trees, making it essential to handle them with care. Developers must take tree preservation seriously, as failure to do so could result in planning applications being rejected. If the local tree officer believes that valuable trees on or near the site are not being adequately protected, planning consent will not be granted.

If a tree located in a conservation area is disturbed without proper permissions, developers can face fines of up to £20,000. Alternatively, if the tree is protected by a tree preservation order (TPO), fines could be even more severe, serving as a reminder for developers in Whalley to respect trees, especially those in conservation areas or under TPOs.

Effective Arboricultural Consultancy Services

For any development project in Whalley that involves trees, a BS5837 tree survey is typically required. This survey categorises trees based on their health, size, historical significance, longevity and ecological value. Categories range from A to U, with each helping to determine the next steps for each tree, such as retention, relocation or removal with appropriate compensation.

The primary goal of any tree survey is to retain as many trees as possible. That said, trees that obstruct development or pose risks due to poor condition may need to be relocated or removed. In cases where trees must be removed, developers may be required to plant new trees as compensation to preserve the environmental quality of the area.

Once the survey is complete, the arboricultural consultant will compile a tree report that outlines all findings. If further assessments are necessary, such as an Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA) or Arboricultural Method Statement (AMS), this will be indicated in the report. Ideally, the tree report will satisfy local authorities and help secure planning permission without requiring additional surveys.

Coverage Throughout All Whalley Areas

Offering expert tree services to clients across the country, we can cover all parts of Whalley and other sections of the Ribble Valley, with the backing of relevant organisations such as the Arboricultural Association to ensure that we are as effective with our arboricultural consultancy services as possible.

Whether you are a homeowner, tree owner or developer, we can assist with all types of tree inspections and surveys, including for development sites in Whalley and beyond. Our team of arboricultural consultants has extensive experience, ensuring that you receive the highest level of service and expertise. The end product will see you able to submit viable planning applications to your local planning authority and bypass any troublesome issues caused by trees.

If you need a tree survey for a single tree or a more comprehensive inspection across a large development site, our team is ready to help. We offer free quotes so you can review your options before committing to our services. Simply contact us by phone, email, or by filling out a quote form on our website. Once we have your details, we’ll arrange a suitable date for your tree survey and work with you to ensure a smooth path to securing planning consent.