Tree Surveys in the Ribble Valley: Inspect Tree Populations

Ribble Valley Area Woodland

Woodland areas are highly valued in the Ribble Valley, with the local council advocating for the numerous environmental benefits trees bring to the area. Ribble Valley Borough Council has been actively involved in preserving and expanding green spaces, emphasising the importance of protecting and planting trees to enhance biodiversity and support environmental sustainability. The council is committed to environmental targets, including reducing carbon emissions and promoting green initiatives across the borough.

When evaluating development proposals, planning officers in the Ribble Valley take tree-related issues seriously, ensuring that any potential impact on local trees is carefully considered. While trees are a sensitive matter in planning, they are not insurmountable obstacles to development. Whether the project is large or small, the local authorities encourage development, provided that any concerns surrounding trees are addressed.

Sustainable development and tree preservation can go hand in hand, enabling the Ribble Valley to grow while maintaining its natural beauty. Thousands of trees are spread across the landscape, leaving developers and homeowners with the task of navigating through the legal responsibility that comes with attempting to secure planning applications on locations where trees reside. By arranging a tree survey with an arboricultural consultancy like ours, you can navigate challenges caused by trees and avoid delays in the planning process.

Tree Preservation Order and Conservation Area Considerations

Like other parts of England, trees in the Ribble Valley are protected by tree preservation orders (TPOs) and conservation areas. Numerous TPOs exist across the region, and conservation areas safeguard larger zones where multiple trees are protected. Whether your development site falls within a conservation area or not, it’s crucial to consider the potential for tree protection. Planning case officers and tree officers will thoroughly review planning applications involving trees, and if the necessary steps to protect them are not taken, planning consent may be denied.

Ignoring the need for a tree survey is not an option, as damaging trees in conservation areas can result in fines of up to £20,000. If the affected trees are subject to TPOs, the penalties can be even more severe. Developers in the Ribble Valley must respect tree protection laws to avoid costly consequences and ensure their projects can proceed without complications.

Comprehensive Tree Surveys and Reports

To properly assess a development site’s tree stock, an arboricultural consultant will need to conduct a BS5837 tree survey. This survey involves a detailed inspection of all trees on or near the site, categorising them based on their health, size, historical significance and value to the ecosystem. Trees are assigned grades ranging from Category A (trees of high quality and importance) to Category U (trees that are dead, dying or dangerous).

The priority is always to retain trees, particularly those in category A, which are critical to the local environment and may have historical significance. If, however, a tree obstructs development and cannot be accommodated within the project’s plans, relocation or removal may be necessary. Trees in poor condition – or those that pose health and safety risks – may need to be removed, with compensation often required in the form of planting new trees.

Once the BS5837 tree survey is complete, the arboricultural consultant will compile a tree report. This report will include essential information such as root protection areas, an AutoCAD map of trees on the site, and recommendations for any changes needed to meet the local planning authority’s requirements. The report may also suggest additional surveys, such as a Tree Constraints Plan (TCP) or Tree Protection Plan (TPP) to ensure the smooth progression of the planning application.

Request Arboricultural Reports from Our Team

Our team of experienced arboricultural consultants has extensive knowledge of local tree surveys in the Ribble Valley and across Lancashire. You could be working with tree owners, homeowners or developers. Whatever the case, we ensure that every tree survey we conduct meets British standards and supports successful planning applications. We cover all areas of the Ribble Valley including South Ribble, providing detailed tree reports that address every consideration to help you move forward with your project.

We pride ourselves on offering transparent pricing for our tree survey services. To receive a free quote tailored to your development site in the Ribble Valley, simply contact our team. You can reach out to us by phone, email, or by completing an online quote form on our website. Once we have the information required by our team, we will send you a quote within a few hours. If you’re happy with it, we’ll arrange a date for your tree survey and assist you in obtaining planning permission from the local planning authority.