Planning and Tree Constraints in Canterbury

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Development sites throughout Canterbury often involve mature trees, conservationsensitive environments, historic land patterns, and established landscape features that require careful arboricultural consideration during the planning process. A BS5837 tree survey helps identify these constraints early, allowing proposed development to account for retained trees, Root Protection Areas (RPA), access arrangements, and future construction impacts before layouts are finalised.

Our surveys are commonly commissioned for:

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• Residential development projects

• Heritage and conservation sensitive sites

• Extensions and replacement dwellings

• Commercial and mixed use development

• Rural and edge of settlement sites

• Land promotion and planning feasibility assessments

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By identifying arboricultural constraints at an early stage, clients and design teams are better positioned to reduce planning delays, minimise redesign costs, and develop proposals that respond appropriately to both the site and surrounding landscape character.

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What our BS5837 surveys include

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Our Canterbury BS5837 surveys typically include:

• Detailed tree inspection and survey schedule

• Tree categorisation in accordance with BS5837

• Root Protection Area calculations

• Tree Constraints Plans (TCP)

• Arboricultural planning observations

• Development impact considerations

• Tree retention recommendations

• BS5837 compliant reporting suitable for planning submission

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Where required, we also provide supporting Arboricultural Impact Assessments, Tree Protection Plans, and construction phase arboricultural supervision.

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A practical, planning focused approach

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We understand the planning and environmental sensitivities affecting development throughout Canterbury and the wider East Kent area. Our approach focuses on producing clear, commercially practical arboricultural information that integrates effectively with architects, planning consultants, and wider project teams.

Reports are structured to support informed planning decisions while helping clients understand the arboricultural implications of proposed development early within the design process.

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Related Arboricultural Services

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Our BS5837 surveys in Canterbury are commonly supported by:

• Arboricultural Impact Assessments (AIA)

• 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 provided individually or as part of a coordinated planning support package.

 

Areas We Cover Around Canterbury

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We provide BS5837 tree surveys throughout:

• Canterbury

• Whitstable

• Herne Bay

• Faversham

• Sandwich

• Deal

• Sturry

• The wider East Kent area

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Need a BS5837 Tree Survey in Canterbury?

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If you are preparing a planning application or assessing development potential in Canterbury or the surrounding area, Arb & Environmental can provide clear, reliable BS5837 arboricultural surveys 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 BS5837 Tree Surveys in Canterbury

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What is a BS5837 tree survey?

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A BS5837 tree survey is a professional arboricultural assessment undertaken in accordance with BS5837:2012, Trees in Relation to Design, Demolition and Construction, Recommendations. The survey identifies the condition, quality and development constraints associated with trees on or adjacent to a site and is commonly required to support planning applications throughout Canterbury and the wider East Kent area.

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When is a BS5837 tree survey required in Canterbury?

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A BS5837 survey is often required where trees may be affected by proposed development. This can include residential developments, commercial projects, rural developments, agricultural land promotion, extensions and redevelopment schemes where trees form part of the planning considerations.

Many sites throughout Canterbury District contain mature trees, hedgerows and landscape features that must be considered during the planning process.

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Why are tree surveys particularly important in Canterbury?

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Canterbury District contains a diverse range of landscapes, including historic city environments, rural farmland, estate landscapes, orchards and coastal settlements. Development proposals frequently need to account for mature trees, veteran trees, historic landscape features and existing woodland.

Understanding these constraints at an early stage can help avoid planning issues and support more effective site design.

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What does a BS5837 tree survey include?

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Our BS5837 tree surveys typically include:

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• Detailed tree inspection and assessment

• Tree categorisation in accordance with BS5837

• Root Protection Area calculations

• Tree Constraints Plans

• GIS-based tree and vegetation mapping

• Arboricultural planning recommendations

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The resulting information helps developers, architects and planning consultants understand how trees influence the development potential of a site.

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Do you have experience working in Canterbury?

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Yes. We have extensive experience working throughout Canterbury District, including Canterbury itself, Whitstable, Herne Bay, Chartham and Wingham.

Our work has included arboricultural surveys, veteran tree assessments, estate management, tree works and planning related arboricultural advice across a wide range of residential, commercial, rural and heritage sites.

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Do you provide Tree Constraints Plans in Canterbury?

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Yes. We provide Tree Constraints Plans (TCPs) showing surveyed trees, canopy spreads and Root Protection Areas. These plans help identify opportunities and constraints before detailed development designs are finalised and are often required to support planning applications.

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What is a Root Protection Area (RPA)?

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A Root Protection Area is the minimum area surrounding a tree that should be protected during construction works. RPAs help safeguard root systems from damage caused by excavation, foundations, service installation and changes in ground level.

All RPAs are calculated in accordance with BS5837 guidance and displayed on our survey drawings.

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Do you assess veteran trees, orchards and historic landscapes?

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Yes. Canterbury District contains many veteran trees, traditional orchards and historic landscape features that can be important planning considerations.

We regularly assess mature trees, orchard sites and historic landscapes, helping clients understand how these features may influence development proposals and planning requirements.

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Can you provide Arboricultural Impact Assessments and Method Statements?

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Yes. In addition to BS5837 tree surveys, we provide:

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• Arboricultural Impact Assessments (AIA)

• Arboricultural Method Statements (AMS)

• Tree Protection Plans (TPP)

• Arboricultural planning support

• Construction phase arboricultural advice

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These services help support projects from initial planning through to construction.

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Can a BS5837 survey help avoid planning delays?

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Yes. Early identification of tree related constraints allows development proposals to be designed around important retained trees and landscape features. This can reduce planning objections, minimise redesign costs and help avoid delays later in the planning process.

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Who do you provide BS5837 surveys for?

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We regularly work with:

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• Property developers

• Small and regional developers

• Architects

• Planning consultants

• Landowners

• Estate managers

• Commercial clients

• Private homeowners

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Our reports are tailored to the requirements of each individual site and planning application.

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Have you worked on agricultural and rural development sites?

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Yes. We have experience working on agricultural land, rural development sites and estate properties throughout East Kent. These projects often require consideration of mature trees, hedgerows, orchards and wider landscape constraints alongside development objectives.

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How quickly can you undertake a BS5837 tree survey in Canterbury?

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Most residential and small development sites can be surveyed promptly, with reports and drawings typically delivered within a few working days. We understand the importance of planning deadlines and work to provide efficient turnaround times wherever possible.