Tree Surveys in Bournemouth: Gain Planning Acceptance

Bournemouth Nature and Countryside

A coastal resort town, Bournemouth makes up the largest section of Dorset and plays host to an estimated 6.8 million visitors every year. Although Bournemouth is best known for the beach, pier and Oceanarium, it also possesses sections of countryside, as well as rural sites in the surrounding areas that span into Hampshire, Somerset and Wiltshire.

In terms of natural parts of Bournemouth, notable features include Boscombe Chine Gardens, Bournemouth Gardens and Compton Acres. Outside of the town are a vast array of different rural attractions such as the New Forest – the largest section of forestry and pastureland in Southern England.

Tree Preservation Orders in Bournemouth

Up until 1^st April 2019, Bournemouth was part of a standalone council known as Bournemouth Borough Council. Now, it is part of the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council. Due to this, all of the rules around conservation, preservation and planning as a whole apply to all three areas.

In BCP Council’s dedicated urban design, trees and conservation section of their website, the policies around natural assets are clearly outlined. Within these rules, information about ancient monuments, archaeological sites, hedgerow regulations, listed buildings and urban design is provided in direct relation to Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

Parts that are primarily relevant to land developers are conservation areas and tree preservation orders (TPOs). Currently, there are 48 conservation areas in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, and hundreds of existing tree preservation orders in place. If a tree is in a conservation area or under a TPO, the developer must first request permission from the BCP Council, so it’s important they know whether or not their project will be affected.

Arboricultural Assessments

When a consultant arboriculturist carries out an assessment on a plot where trees are present, they will conduct what is known as a BS5837 tree survey. The tree survey process will begin with them analysing each and every tree before placing a grading on them based on their value and current condition, as well as using specialised survey equipment as required, such as an air spade. From the observations of tree surveys, they can determine if each tree would be worth keeping or if a more suitable option would be to relocate or destroy them.

The arboriculturist in charge of the applicable tree surveys will then assemble a report that includes all of their findings, a CAD drawing of the site and recommendations for how to approach dealing with the trees in a way that won’t delay the development process. Suitable mitigation in tree surveys will involve tree advice that will enable the developer to act pragmatically and avoid any issues involving trees on the site. Local authorities will then accept this report as part of the planning application, and it will play a key role as it will explain how any potential issues will be mitigated using effective tree work.

Arranging a Tree Survey

A tree survey is an important part of any development that involves trees. However, it is just as crucial that a reliable company is chosen to conduct the survey. At Arbtech, we possess the experience, knowledge and expertise to carry out professional BS5837 surveys and other tree surveys to the necessary standard. We also have consultant arboriculturists situated across the country – including in Bournemouth – allowing you to arrange a tree survey on your site.

So, if you require a tree survey and tree advice to support planning or tree work applications, get in touch with Arbtech today and we will provide you with a free quote. You can then speak to one of our team about booking a suitable date and time for us to come to your site and carry out the required tree surveys and assessments. Our tree surveys are highly regarded by the local authorities, and the accompanying tree reports are seen as reliable and trustworthy, giving you everything needed for planning and tree work applications.