Arboricultural Impact Assessment Suffolk: Planning and Development

What is an Arboricultural Impact Assessment?

In the early stages of a development project, developers must consider the potential impact that their proposal may have on the surrounding environment. One of the most important factors that must be considered is the impact on trees that are in close proximity of the proposed development.

An Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA) is a tree report that is designed to identify and assess these risks before any problems occur further down the line. An AIA is also used to find mitigation methods that can be used to prevent any harm to trees in the area.

An AIA can be used in planning applications to obtain planning permission and will often be requested by local planning authorities. At Collington Winter, our tree consultants provide Arboricultural Impact Assessment Suffolk services for a variety of clients and can help you to meet planning requirements.

Arboricultural Impact Assessment process

The requirements of an AIA are set out in British Standard BS5837 tree surveys. Firstly, an arboricultural report is undertaken to record the quality, dimensions and type of trees in your site. Following this, a Tree Constraints Plan will be produced. This plan is necessary to identify the tree retention category of the trees and identify their Tree Root Protection Area.

Once the plan has been created, the proposed development layout will be placed over the Tree Constraints Plan. This will help to show any potential areas of conflict between the rooting area of the retained trees and the construction that will take place.

A tree consultant can use this information to conduct tree inspections in order to identify which individual trees will be affected or removed during the development. Tree protection plans such as fencing barriers and ground protection measures can then be put in place as well as any mitigation for tree removal.

In addition to an AIA, a local authority may stipulate that an Arboricultural Method Statement is required to satisfy reserved matters or planning conditions. Tree surveys should also be used by tree owners as they have a duty of care to prevent damage or injury to people or property from foreseeable hazardous trees under the Occupiers’ Liability Act.

    How can Collington Winter assist?

    Collington Winter Environmental believe in a pragmatic approach to tree management. We meet the needs of developers whilst ensuring positive outcomes for wildlife during tree work. We work alongside clients when carrying out AIAs and tree surveys Suffolk to find mitigation solutions. We believe that ecologists can earn a valuable seat at design team meetings to identify potential constraints and opportunities for clients.

    We believe that early consultation, a pragmatic mindset and in-depth knowledge of ecological best practice and legislation is the best way to improve your chances of a successful project.

    To find out how a professional tree consultant from our team could assist on your development project, please get in touch using the details below.

    Contact Us

    Registered Address

    23 Bark Street East 

    1st Floor

    Bolton

    BL1 2BQ

    Telephone

    Bolton Office: 01204 939 608

    Dumfries Office: 01387 378208

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