Last updated: November 2024
Author: Rob Lambert
Editor at Arbtech, Rob is a content specialist who manages our ecology and arboriculture services copy to ensure it is accurate, up to date, and insightful for current and future clients.
Crossover Between Development and Trees in Hyndburn
As the borough of Hyndburn in Lancashire continues to grow, the local authority has encouraged development while prioritising sustainable practices. Major projects – such as the regeneration of Accrington town centre and new housing developments in areas like Great Harwood, Oswaldtwistle and Rishton – are part of the council’s broader plan for growth. None of these projects, however, come at the expense of efforts to protect and preserve the natural environment.
Environmental considerations are a key focus for Hyndburn Borough Council, and the trees scattered throughout the borough’s parks, streets and green spaces are essential to this. The council’s tree strategy and Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) outline plans to increase tree canopy cover across the borough in line with regional goals, with reference to such organisations as the Ribble Rivers Trust.
The emphasis on tree protection is critical for both maintaining the area’s environmental health and aligning with broader conservation objectives. If you’re planning a development in Hyndburn, it’s vital to remain compliant with local planning policies, avoid legal issues and prevent any problems with planning applications across the planning process by organising a tree survey with an experienced arboricultural consultancy like Arbtech.
Moves From Local Authorities to Protect Trees
Hyndburn Borough Council has established clear guidelines to ensure that trees are adequately protected across the borough. As with other parts of England, two primary protections safeguard trees deemed valuable or significant: Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) and conservation areas. Additionally, local policies exist for managing issues like ash dieback, oak processionary moth (OPM) and storm-damaged trees.
If a tree on your development site is subject to a Tree Preservation Order or situated within a conservation area, you must seek consent from Hyndburn Borough Council before undertaking any work that could harm the tree. It can be difficult to determine whether a tree is protected by these measures, but a thorough tree survey can identify any protected trees and help address potential conflicts with development plans.
Assessments on Obstructive Trees
Before the development begins, all tree stock on a site must be assessed through a BS5837 tree survey. This survey categorises each tree based on health, size, ecological role, historical significance and lifespan. Arboricultural consultants use these factors to determine the appropriate course of action, which could range from retaining the tree to relocating or removing it. Other types of tree surveys are also available depending on the specific needs of the project, but the BS5837 survey is the most commonly used for planning and development purposes.
Ideally, a BS5837 survey will recommend retaining as many trees as possible to avoid unnecessary harm. If, however, the presence of valuable trees conflicts with the development plans, tree removal or relocation may be necessary. In cases where trees cannot be saved, replacement trees of a similar species may be planted to maintain the area’s ecological balance.
Following the survey, the arboricultural consultant will produce a detailed tree report, which serves as evidence to meet the requirements of the local planning authority. This report will include recommendations and solutions to ensure that trees are managed appropriately during the development process. Additional conditions, such as an Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA), Arboricultural Method Statement (AMS), Tree Constraints Plan (TCP) or Tree Protection Plan (TPP) may also be necessary depending on the project.
Contact Our Tree Experts Today
We are committed to providing top-quality tree surveys to ensure your development project meets all necessary environmental and planning requirements, and the legal responsibility on you as a developer in the area. Our team of arboricultural consultants brings a wealth of experience to the field, with backgrounds ranging from tree surgery to environmental planning, allowing us to offer comprehensive expertise for your project.
We have worked hard to offer affordable and accessible tree surveys nationwide. By strategically placing tree surveyors throughout the UK – including in Hyndburn, the wider Ribble Valley Area, South Ribble and beyond – we ensure that our services are available to clients wherever they are, without the added costs of travel and accommodation for our consultants. Whether our arboriculturists have a history in tree surgery or planning, every member of our team is dedicated to providing the highest standards of service.
If you’re planning a development in Hyndburn and need to book a tree survey, or if you simply want to discuss your options, get in touch with us today for a free quote. You can contact us by phone, email, or by completing a quote form on our website. Our team will respond promptly, and a local tree surveyor with knowledge of Hyndburn Borough Council’s regulations will be scheduled to conduct the necessary inspections and provide you with an essential tree report.