Trees in Newcastle
Newcastle upon Tyne – better known simply as Newcastle – is a city within the county of Tyne and Wear. Due to the presence of the River Tyne, Newcastle became an industrial town, catering to the production of ships and the transportation of coal and other valuable goods. At the start of the 21st century, the city carried out major developments, leading to iconic creations such as the Millennium Bridge.
Currently the eighth most populated urban area in the UK, most of Newcastle has been developed. However, the Tyne and Wear Green Belt ensures that there are limits to the amount of rural land decimated as a result of new infrastructure. The council has also retained key countryside attractions such as Heaton Park, Jesmond Dene and Rising Sun Country Park.
Newcastle City Council Tree Protection
On the Newcastle City Council website, the policies for conserving, preserving and protecting trees are clearly outlined. From the perspective of a developer, the most relevant policies would be in regard to conservation areas and tree preservation orders (TPOs). If trees are situated in conservation areas or if they are under an existing TPO, they are protected by the council. As such, anyone who could disturb these trees as the result of a development project must first request planning consent from the council.
Ignoring these rules and impacting protected trees without consent from Newcastle City Council is a criminal offence, likely resulting in a hefty fine. With this in mind, reaching out to an experienced arboricultural consultant for expert advice and effective recommendations in the form of a tree survey couldn’t be any more crucial.
The Arboricultural Assessment
A British standard assessment, tree surveys are conducted by trained arboriculturists, with the primary aim being to make informed recommendations on the next steps for each tree on a site. By evaluating the condition and value of the trees, the arboricultural consultant can decide whether the most appropriate course of action would be to keep, move or eliminate each tree.
Following completion of the survey, the arboricultural consultant will compile all of their findings into a report, including an accurate drawing of the site with the location of each tree. The report will contribute to the land development plans by highlighting the presence of trees and specific instructions for what will happen with each tree. However, the fundamental purpose of the report will be to assist the application for planning permission.
Plan a BS5837 Tree Survey
When you are developing on land with trees present, it’s not only important that you book a tree survey, but also that you arrange an assessment with a reliable company that can offer valuable input to contribute to your planning application. Arbtech has a talented team of expert arboriculturists who possess the expertise you need to secure planning permission.
To enquire about tree surveys and the variety of other assessments we provide, contact us over the phone, via email or on the form below and we will be in touch with a free quote determined by the specifications of your project and the size of your site.