What is a Tree Constraints Plan?

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A Tree Constraints Plan (TCP) is a technical drawing produced following a BS5837 tree survey. It maps the location, canopy spread, and Root Protection Areas (RPA) of existing trees, allowing site designers to understand where tree related constraints may affect proposed development.

The TCP is used during the early planning and design stages to help avoid conflicts between proposed construction and retained trees. It provides a visual framework for layout planning, access routes, service runs, hard surfacing, and future site use.

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When is a Tree Constraints Plan required?

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A Tree Constraints Plan is commonly required when:

• Preparing a planning application involving trees

• Designing development layouts on constrained sites

• Building near existing trees or woodland

• Assessing development feasibility

• Working on sites with Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs)

• Designing access routes, parking areas, or service infrastructure near retained trees

Many local planning authorities throughout Kent require TCP documentation as part of BS5837 compliant planning submissions.

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What our Tree Constraints Plans include

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Our Tree Constraints Plans are produced using accurate survey data and are designed to support practical planning and design decisions.

Plans may include:

• Tree locations and reference numbers

• Canopy spreads and crown extents

• Root Protection Areas (RPA)

• Tree categorisation in accordance with BS5837

• Existing site constraints and spatial relationships

• Arboricultural constraints relevant to proposed development

• Integration with topographical and site layout information where required

Where appropriate, TCPs can be produced alongside BS5837 Tree Surveys, Arboricultural Impact Assessments, and Tree Protection Plans as part of a complete planning support package.

 

A practical, planning led approach

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We approach Tree Constraints Planning as part of the wider site design and development process   not simply as a standalone drawing exercise. Our focus is on providing clear, usable arboricultural information that supports informed decision making and realistic site layouts from the earliest planning stages.

By identifying constraints early, clients and design teams are better positioned to reduce redesign costs, minimise planning delays, and develop layouts that work with the site rather than against it.

 

Related Arboricultural Services

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Tree Constraints Plans are commonly supported by:

• BS5837 Tree Surveys

• Arboricultural Impact Assessments (AIA)

• Tree Protection Plans (TPP)

• Arboricultural Method Statements (AMS)

• Construction phase arboricultural supervision

• Development and planning support

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

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Clients We Support

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We provide Tree Constraints Plans for:

• Property developers

• Architects and planning consultants

• Private landowners

• Commercial development projects

• Estate and land management projects

• Residential development sites

• Infrastructure and planning projects

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Tree Constraints Planning Across Kent

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Arb & Environmental provides Tree Constraints Plans throughout Kent including Maidstone, Sevenoaks, Tunbridge Wells, Canterbury, Ashford, and surrounding areas.

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Need a Tree Constraints Plan?

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If you are progressing a planning application or assessing the development potential of a site with existing trees, Arb & Environmental can provide clear, BS5837 compliant Tree Constraints Plans tailored to your project requirements.

Contact us to discuss your site or planning proposal.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Tree Constraints Plans in Kent

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What is a Tree Constraints Plan?

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A Tree Constraints Plan (TCP) is a scaled drawing produced from a BS5837 tree survey that shows the location of trees, canopy spreads and Root Protection Areas across a site.

The plan helps developers, architects and planning consultants understand how existing trees may influence the design and development potential of a site before detailed proposals are prepared

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Why is a Tree Constraints Plan important?

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A Tree Constraints Plan is often one of the earliest planning tools available to a design team.

By clearly identifying tree related constraints, the plan helps ensure that buildings, roads, services and other infrastructure can be designed around important retained trees from the outset.

This can help avoid costly redesigns and reduce planning delays later in the process.

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When is a Tree Constraints Plan required?

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A Tree Constraints Plan is typically prepared following a BS5837 tree survey where trees are present on or adjacent to a development site.

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It is commonly required to support:

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• Residential developments

• Commercial developments

• Strategic housing sites

• Land promotion projects

• Householder planning applications

• Infrastructure projects

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where existing trees may influence the design of the scheme.

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What information is shown on a Tree Constraints Plan?

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A typical Tree Constraints Plan includes:

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• Tree locations

• Tree numbers and references

• Canopy spreads

• Root Protection Areas (RPAs)

• Tree categorisation

• Retained and removed trees where applicable

• Key site constraints affecting development

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The plan provides a clear visual representation of how trees influence the site.

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What is a Root Protection Area?

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A Root Protection Area (RPA) is the minimum area surrounding a tree that should be protected from construction impacts.

RPAs are calculated in accordance with BS5837 guidance and displayed on the Tree Constraints Plan to help designers understand where construction activities may require careful consideration.

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Can a Tree Constraints Plan help with planning permission?

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Yes. Many Local Planning Authorities expect tree constraints to be properly understood before development proposals are submitted.

A Tree Constraints Plan helps demonstrate that trees have been considered at an early stage and provides valuable information for architects, planners and developers preparing planning applications.

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Who uses a Tree Constraints Plan?

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Tree Constraints Plans are commonly used by:

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• Architects

• Developers

• Planning consultants

• Landowners

• Local authorities

• Engineers

• Landscape architects

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The plan provides a shared understanding of tree related constraints across the project team.

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Do you produce Tree Constraints Plans in house?

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Yes. All of our Tree Constraints Plans are produced in house using GIS based mapping and arboricultural survey data.

This allows us to provide accurate, professional drawings that clearly communicate site constraints and support the wider planning process.

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Is a Tree Constraints Plan the same as a BS5837 tree survey?

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No.

A BS5837 tree survey records information about the trees present on a site, including species, dimensions, condition and category grading.

A Tree Constraints Plan uses that survey information to visually map tree constraints and show how they may influence future development proposals.

The two documents are typically prepared together.

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What happens after a Tree Constraints Plan has been produced?

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The Tree Constraints Plan is usually used by the design team to develop a proposed site layout.

Once a design has been prepared, additional arboricultural documents may be required, including:

• Arboricultural Impact Assessments (AIA)

• Arboricultural Method Statements (AMS)

• Tree Protection Plans (TPP)

These documents help support planning applications and construction activities.

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Can you provide all of the arboricultural documents required for planning?

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Yes. We provide a complete BS5837 consultancy service, including:

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• BS5837 Tree Surveys

• Tree Constraints Plans

• Arboricultural Impact Assessments

• Arboricultural Method Statements

• Tree Protection Plans

• Construction phase monitoring

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This provides clients with a single point of contact throughout the planning and development process.

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Do you only provide reports?

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No. Unlike many consultancies, we can support projects beyond the reporting stage.

Alongside arboricultural consultancy services, we can assist with the implementation of recommended works, habitat enhancement projects, ongoing monitoring and long term site management where required.

This allows us to support projects from initial survey through to delivery and stewardship.

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Do you provide Tree Constraints Plans throughout Kent?

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Yes. We provide Tree Constraints Plans across Kent, supporting architects, developers, planning consultants, local authorities and landowners on projects ranging from individual dwellings to major development and infrastructure schemes.