Do I Need a Tree Survey for Planning Permission?

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Many planning applications require a tree survey where trees could be affected by proposed development.

This commonly applies to:

• Residential developments

• New build dwellings

• House extensions

• Commercial developments

• Land promotion sites

• Estate developments

• Agricultural diversification projects

• Infrastructure projects

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If trees are located on or adjacent to a site, Local Planning Authorities will often require arboricultural information to assess how development may affect those trees.

Early arboricultural input can help avoid planning delays, reduce redesign costs and identify constraints before detailed designs are finalised.

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What Is a BS5837 Tree Survey?

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The most common survey required for planning purposes is a BS5837 Tree Survey.

Prepared in accordance with BS5837:2012, the survey records:

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• Tree species

• Tree dimensions

• Tree condition

• Life expectancy

• Tree quality and category grading

• Root Protection Areas

• Development constraints

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This information helps architects, developers and planners understand how existing trees influence a site's development potential.

A BS5837 Tree Survey often forms the foundation for further arboricultural reports required during the planning process.

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Understanding Tree Constraints Before Design Begins

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One of the most common causes of planning delays is identifying tree constraints too late in the design process.

Our approach focuses on helping clients understand:

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• Which trees should be retained

• Which trees may require removal

• Where development constraints exist

• How Root Protection Areas influence site layout

• How trees may affect future construction activities

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By understanding these constraints early, development proposals can be designed more efficiently and with greater confidence.

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Arboricultural Reports We Provide

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In addition to BS5837 Tree Surveys, we provide the full range of arboricultural planning documents required to support development projects.

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BS5837 Tree Surveys

Detailed tree surveys undertaken in accordance with BS5837:2012.

Tree Constraints Plans

GIS-based plans showing tree locations, canopy spreads and Root Protection Areas.

Arboricultural Impact Assessments (AIA)

Assessments evaluating how proposed development may affect existing trees.

Arboricultural Method Statements (AMS)

Detailed guidance explaining how construction works will be carried out while protecting retained trees.

Tree Protection Plans (TPP)

Construction-phase plans showing required tree protection measures.

Construction Phase Monitoring

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Ongoing arboricultural supervision and monitoring throughout the construction process.

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More Than Just Arboricultural Reports

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Unlike many consultancies, our involvement does not have to end when the report is submitted.

Our team combines arboricultural consultancy with extensive practical experience working across development sites, estate landscapes, commercial properties and infrastructure projects throughout Kent.

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We can support projects through:

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• Arboricultural consultancy

• Tree management recommendations

• Habitat enhancement works

• Site monitoring

• Long term vegetation management

• Stewardship and maintenance programmes

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

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Experience Across Kent's Diverse Landscapes

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Kent presents a unique range of arboricultural challenges.

We have experience working across:

• Strategic housing sites

• Land promotion schemes

• Estate landscapes

• Historic properties

• Traditional orchard sites

• Agricultural land

• Commercial developments

• Infrastructure projects

• Ash dieback affected environments

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This practical experience helps us provide realistic advice tailored to the planning and development pressures found throughout the county.

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Who We Work With

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We regularly support:

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• Property developers

• Housebuilders

• Architects

• Planning consultants

• Landowners

• Estate managers

• Local authorities

• Commercial clients

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Whether you are preparing an application for a single dwelling or managing a large scale development project, we can provide the arboricultural information required to support the planning process.

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Areas We Cover

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We provide tree surveys for planning permission throughout Kent, including:

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• Maidstone

• Ashford

• Canterbury

• Sevenoaks

• Tunbridge Wells

• Dartford

• Gravesend

• Folkestone

• Dover

• Medway

and the surrounding areas.

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Request a Tree Survey for Planning Permission

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If you're unsure what arboricultural information your planning application requires, we're happy to help.

Our team can review your project, explain the reports likely to be needed and provide a clear quotation for the required work.

Contact Arb & Environmental today to discuss your planning application and tree survey requirements.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Tree Surveys for Planning Permission in Kent

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What type of tree survey is required for planning permission?

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The most common survey required is a BS5837 Tree Survey.

This survey records the location, condition and quality of trees on a site and provides the information needed to support planning applications and inform site design.

Depending on the project, additional documents such as Tree Constraints Plans, Arboricultural Impact Assessments and Arboricultural Method Statements may also be required.

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What is a BS5837 tree survey?

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A BS5837 Tree Survey is an arboricultural assessment carried out in accordance with BS5837:2012, Trees in Relation to Design, Demolition and Construction – Recommendations.

The survey records tree species, dimensions, condition, life expectancy and development constraints, helping planners and design teams understand how existing trees may influence a development proposal.

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How do I know if my planning application requires a tree survey?

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If trees are present on or adjaccent to the site, there is a reasonable chance that arboricultural information may be required.

We can review your proposal and advise on the level of arboricultural assessment likely to be needed before you submit your planning application.

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What happens after a tree survey has been completed?

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Following the survey, we can prepare any supporting documents required for the planning process, including:

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• Tree Constraints Plans

• Arboricultural Impact Assessments

• Tree Protection Plans

• Arboricultural Method Statements

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These documents help demonstrate how trees will be considered and protected throughout the development process.

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Can a tree survey help avoid planning delays?

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Yes. Identifying tree related constraints early allows architects and developers to design around important retained trees before submitting a planning application.

This can reduce planning objections, avoid costly redesigns and help projects progress more efficiently.

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Do you work with architects and planning consultants?

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Yes. We regularly work alongside architects, planning consultants, developers and landowners throughout Kent.

By providing arboricultural advice at an early stage, we help project teams understand site constraints and develop practical planning solutions.

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What types of development require tree surveys?

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We provide planning tree surveys for:

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• Residential developments

• Housing schemes

• Self build projects

• House extensions

• Commercial developments

• Land promotion sites

• Estate developments

• Infrastructure projects

• Agricultural diversification schemes

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Each survey is tailored to the specific requirements of the site and planning application.

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Do you provide all arboricultural reports required for planning?

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Yes. We provide a complete planning support 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 allows clients to obtain all required arboricultural documentation through a single consultancy.

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Why choose Arb & Environmental?

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We combine arboricultural consultancy with extensive practical experience managing trees across development sites, estates, commercial properties and infrastructure projects throughout Kent.

Our approach focuses on helping clients understand site constraints, navigate planning requirements and deliver successful projects rather than simply producing reports.

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Can you support projects after planning permission has been granted?

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Yes. Unlike many consultancies, we can continue supporting projects beyond the planning stage.

Alongside arboricultural consultancy services, we can assist with tree works, habitat enhancement projects, implementation of recommendations, monitoring programmes and long term vegetation management.

This allows us to support projects from initial planning through to delivery and long term stewardship.

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Do you provide tree surveys for planning permission throughout Kent?

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Yes. We provide tree surveys for planning permission throughout Kent, including Maidstone, Ashford, Canterbury, Sevenoaks, Tunbridge Wells, Dartford, Gravesend, Folkestone and the surrounding areas.