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We consider the impact of development proposals on
trees within North Somerset.
Trees on development sites are considered in terms of their
biodiversity and amenity value during the planning process to
determine whether they are retained or removed.
For further information please consult our
Biodiversity and Trees Supplementary Planning Document (SPD)
which provides information needed to consider the impact of any
proposed developments.
They can already be protected by
Tree
Preservation Orders (TPOs) or by being in a
conservation area or we can look at protecting them by serving
a new TPO.
Trees can also be protected on development sites through
conditions attached to planning permissions.
If a protected tree on a development site is damaged or
destroyed without permission, the owner or person carrying out the
work may be prosecuted and fined up to £20,000 by magistrates or
more if the case goes to Crown Court.
Agreed work can be carried on these trees as long as it is
undertaken in accordance with British Standard - BS 3998: 1991
Recommendations for Tree Work which is currently under review.
Landscape conditions may be attached which include the retention
of trees, where agreed, for a certain period of time following
completion of the development.
Other conditions may apply in accordance with
British
Standard - BS 5837:2005 Trees in Relation to Construction -
Recommendations which includes protection measures such as
fencing.
Consent is not required for cutting down or carrying out work on
trees if this is needed to implement a full planning permission.
However, you should first seek our advice to ensure you do not
commit an offence
If you are proposing to carry out work under permitted
development rights you should also seek our advice to ensure you do
not commit an offence as any trees may be protected.
For example, anyone building an extension or structure in a
garden would still need to apply for permission to fell, prune or
root prune a protected tree affected by the work.
To find out if a tree is protected or for further information
contact our
Tree Officer or
Assistant Tree Officer. |