Tree Surveys in Cornwall: Assessments of Native Trees

Likely Tree Constraints on Cornish Trees

Like many other local authorities across England, the council in Cornwall is actively working to combat climate change having declared a climate emergency and set ambitious targets for reducing carbon emissions. Trees play a crucial role in achieving these goals by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. Cornwall’s diverse landscape – including ancient woodlands and hedgerows – acts as vital carbon storage, making individual trees and woodlands integral to future strategies and plans.

Various organisations contribute to tree planting and conservation efforts in Cornwall, including the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and the National Trust, which manages substantial woodland areas such as those at Lanhydrock. Combined with existing natural growth, the presence of these efforts means trees are commonly encountered on potential development sites. Developers must therefore consider the potential need for a tree survey to avoid complications in later stages and securing planning consent from the local planning authority.

In a location with a strong focus on environmental protection such as Cornwall, planning applications can be contentious. Even projects considered important can face significant opposition if they impact trees, giving reason for the countless planting initiatives, such as Forest for Cornwall. Provided the necessary tree reports are submitted to Cornwall Council, planning projects can proceed. From small domestic extensions to large-scale housing developments and commercial projects, Cornwall Council handles a wide range of planning applications, all of which must address the impact on trees.

Protective Measures Over Trees in Relation to Planning

It’s understandable to view additional assessments like tree surveys as a costly inconvenience, especially for those new to planning or who haven’t arranged them before. Proceeding with development plans without a tree survey, however, is ill-advised and can result in legal repercussions. Specific examples of prosecutions might not be as readily available as national cases, but Cornwall Council takes breaches of tree protection legislation seriously.

Conservation areas and Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) are the primary tools that Cornwall Council uses to safeguard individual trees and groups of trees. A conservation area protects all trees within its boundaries, while a Tree Preservation Order protects specific trees or woodlands. Both share similarities, including the legal requirement for developers working on land with protected trees to seek permission from the local council before undertaking any tree work. Cornwall has numerous conservation areas and TPOs, reflecting the importance of its tree cover.

British Standard Tree Evaluation

To satisfy Cornwall Council’s requirements and gain planning approval, a BS5837 tree survey is the most appropriate assessment. A BS5837 involves an arboricultural surveyor visiting the proposed development site to assess all trees present, producing a detailed report with findings and recommendations to enable the project to progress. Each tree receives a categorisation which influences the recommended actions that can then allow the construction phase to begin without harming retained trees.

Ideally, a tree consultant performing a BS-5837 tree survey aims to retain as many valuable and healthy trees as possible after noting down key data such as the condition and root protection areas of the present trees. Even if such trees obstruct the development, the arboriculturist might suggest relocating them on or off-site. Tree removal and replacement will be the last resort and only be recommended for trees that are dead, dying or pose a health and safety hazard.

Following all necessary tree surveys, the arboricultural consultant compiles a tree report. Specifically for a BS5837 tree survey, the report includes a practical approach to facilitate the development, the necessary work actions for individual trees on-site, any further tree surveys needed to meet Cornwall Council’s standards such as tree protection plans (TPPs), tree constraints plans (TCPs), arboricultural impact assessments (AIAs) or arboricultural method statements (AMSs), and if all requirements are met, a recommendation for planning permission approval.

Instruct Our Surveyors in Cornwall and the Wider South West

All of our fully qualified tree surveyors in our arboricultural consultancy are directly employed by Arbtech. We serve the entire country by utilising local experts who base their decisions on accurate information about the local area and relevant local authorities. Our attention to detail with tree care, the guidance of the Arboricultural Association and the local area ensures that you benefit from the advice and expertise of a professional tree surveyor with extensive knowledge of Cornwall Council and experience in various aspects of arboriculture.

Covering the whole country, developers, tree owners and anyone else requiring a tree survey can obtain a free quote by contacting us via phone email or the contact form on our website. If you are happy with the quote, we can instruct our experienced consultants to visit your site, conduct tree surveys using our practical approach, and provide you with all the necessary information in the corresponding tree reports. If needed, we can also inform on mitigation and compensation management recommendations, VALID tree risk assessment services and tree safety inspections.