Arboricultural Impact Assessments for Planning Projects in Kent

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Many development sites across Kent involve mature trees, woodland edges, established hedgerows, and landscape features that require careful arboricultural consideration during the planning process. An Arboricultural Impact Assessment helps identify how proposed development may affect retained trees, Root Protection Areas (RPA), and surrounding vegetation, allowing design teams to address potential conflicts before planning submissions are finalised.

Our AIA reports are commonly commissioned for:

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• Residential development projects

• Commercial and mixed use developments

• Rural and edge of settlement sites

• Strategic land and land promotion projects

• Infrastructure and access works

• Development sites involving Tree Preservation Orders or sensitive landscapes

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By identifying arboricultural impacts early, clients and consultant teams are better positioned to reduce planning delays, minimise redesign costs, and develop proposals that respond appropriately to site constraints.

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What our Arboricultural Impact Assessments include

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Our Kent AIA reports are tailored to the scale and complexity of each project and may include:

• Assessment of proposed development impacts on retained trees

• Root Protection Area considerations

• Analysis of layout constraints and construction proximity

• Arboricultural planning observations

• Tree retention and protection recommendations

• Guidance relating to Tree Protection Plans and construction activity

• Arboricultural Method Statement recommendations where required

• BS5837 compliant reporting suitable for planning submission

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Where appropriate, assessments can be integrated with BS5837 Tree Surveys, Tree Constraints Plans, and construction phase arboricultural support.

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A practical, development focused approach

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We approach Arboricultural Impact Assessments as part of the wider planning and land development process — not simply as standalone reports. Our focus is on providing clear, commercially practical arboricultural advice that supports realistic site layouts, efficient planning progression, and informed decision making from the earliest project stages.

We regularly work alongside architects, planning consultants, ecologists, and wider consultant teams to help integrate arboricultural considerations into the broader design and planning process.

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Related Arboricultural Services

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Our Arboricultural Impact Assessments in Kent are commonly supported by:

• BS5837 Tree Surveys

• Tree Constraints Plans (TCP)

• Tree Protection Plans (TPP)

• Arboricultural Method Statements (AMS)

• Construction phase arboricultural supervision

• Tree risk assessments

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These services can be delivered individually or as part of a coordinated planning support package.

 

Areas We Cover Across Kent

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We provide Arboricultural Impact Assessments throughout:

• Maidstone

• Sevenoaks

• Tunbridge Wells

• Canterbury

• Ashford

• Tonbridge

• Medway

• The wider Kent and South East region

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Need an Arboricultural Impact Assessment in Kent?

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If you are progressing a planning application or assessing development potential on a site involving existing trees, Arb & Environmental can provide clear, BS5837 compliant Arboricultural Impact Assessments tailored to your project requirements.

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Contact us to discuss your site or development proposal.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Arboricultural Impact Assessments in Kent

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What is an Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA)?

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An Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA) is a technical report prepared in accordance with BS5837:2012 that evaluates how a proposed development may affect existing trees on and around a site.

The assessment considers factors such as tree removals, Root Protection Area encroachment, construction activities, service installations and changes in ground level, helping planning authorities and project teams understand the likely impact of development on retained trees.

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When is an Arboricultural Impact Assessment required in Kent?

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An AIA is typically required once a development layout has been prepared and a BS5837 Tree Survey has already been completed.

Across Kent, Arboricultural Impact Assessments are commonly required for:

• Residential developments

• Strategic housing sites

• Land promotion projects

• Commercial developments

• Estate developments

• Infrastructure projects

• Agricultural diversification schemes

where trees may be affected by the proposed works.

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Why are Arboricultural Impact Assessments important in Kent?

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Kent contains a diverse range of landscapes including mature urban tree populations, historic estates, traditional orchards, veteran trees, woodland habitats and agricultural land.

Many development sites contain important trees that influence planning decisions. An Arboricultural Impact Assessment helps identify potential conflicts early, allowing development proposals to be refined before submission.

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What does an Arboricultural Impact Assessment include?

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A typical AIA will assess:

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• Proposed buildings and structures

• Access roads and driveways

• Service routes and utilities

• Excavation works

• Ground level changes

• Tree removals

• Root Protection Area impacts

• Construction related risks to retained trees

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The report also provides recommendations to minimise impacts and support successful development outcomes.

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What is the difference between a BS5837 Tree Survey and an Arboricultural Impact Assessment?

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A BS5837 Tree Survey records and assesses the trees present on a site.

An Arboricultural Impact Assessment uses the survey information alongside the proposed development layout to determine how the development may affect those trees.

In most cases, the tree survey is completed first, followed by the AIA once the site design has progressed. 

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Can an Arboricultural Impact Assessment help secure planning permission?

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Yes. A well prepared AIA demonstrates that tree constraints have been properly considered during the design process.

By identifying potential issues early and proposing practical mitigation measures, an Arboricultural Impact Assessment can help reduce planning objections, avoid redesign costs and support a smoother planning process.

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Do you simply identify impacts, or help find solutions?

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Our role extends beyond identifying problems.

We work closely with architects, developers, planning consultants and landowners to develop practical solutions that balance development objectives with tree retention requirements.

Having worked on a wide variety of sites throughout Kent, we understand that successful projects require realistic and commercially viable arboricultural advice rather than theoretical recommendations.

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Do you have experience with strategic development sites in Kent?

Yes. We have experience supporting strategic housing developments, land promotion schemes, commercial developments and infrastructure projects throughout Kent.

These projects often involve balancing development requirements with mature trees, hedgerow networks, woodland features and long term landscape objectives.

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Do you assess veteran trees and orchard sites?

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Yes. Kent is renowned for its historic orchards, mature landscapes and veteran tree populations.

We regularly assess veteran trees, orchard sites and mature landscape features, helping clients understand their planning implications and identify appropriate mitigation measures where required.

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How does ash dieback affect development projects?

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Ash dieback has had a significant impact across Kent and continues to influence many development sites.

Affected ash trees may require detailed assessment as part of the planning process, particularly where they influence site layouts, access arrangements or long term landscape strategies.

Our extensive practical experience managing ash dieback allows us to provide realistic advice regarding retention, removal and future risk management.

 

Do you provide Arboricultural Method Statements and Tree Protection Plans?

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Yes. We provide the complete range of BS5837 services, including:

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• BS5837 Tree Surveys

• Tree Constraints Plans

• Arboricultural Impact Assessments

• Arboricultural Method Statements (AMS)

• Tree Protection Plans (TPP)

• Construction phase arboricultural monitoring

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This provides clients with a single consultancy partner throughout the planning and development process.

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Can you support projects beyond the planning stage?

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Yes. Unlike many arboricultural consultancies, we are able to support projects from initial survey through to implementation and long term management.

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This includes:

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• Arboricultural consultancy

• Tree works implementation

• Habitat enhancement works

• Site monitoring

• Long term landscape and vegetation management

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This integrated approach allows us to provide practical advice that can be successfully delivered on the ground.

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Who do you provide Arboricultural Impact Assessments for?

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We regularly work with:

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• Property developers

• Housebuilders

• Planning consultants

• Architects

• Landowners

• Estate managers

• Commercial developers

• Local authorities

• Infrastructure clients

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Our assessments are tailored to the specific requirements of each site and development proposal.

 

Do you provide Arboricultural Impact Assessments throughout Kent?

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Yes. We provide Arboricultural Impact Assessments throughout Kent, including Maidstone, Ashford, Canterbury, Sevenoaks, Tunbridge Wells, Dartford, Gravesend, Folkestone and the surrounding areas.

Our experience spans urban developments, rural landholdings, estate landscapes, commercial projects and strategic development sites across the county.