Private Development in Oxfordshire
About This Project
Client:
Private client
Site:
Residential property, Oxfordshire
Introduction:
Tree Frontiers became involved in this project once a planning application was already live. We provided additional arboricultural information which enabled the design team to adapt their plans in order to respond both to objections from neighbours and comments from the tree officer.
Background:
Tree Frontiers were recommended to the client by Edgars, with whom we have worked on a number of projects in the past. We were able to engage swiftly with the client and provide them with the required arboricultural input within a very tight timeframe, enabling them to stay on track with their planning application.
The Opportunity:
Following an application which had been submitted in November, the local tree officer raised comments regarding the lack of a tree survey and proximity of trees to the proposed annexe, and potential for adverse impacts. The application also received strong objection from neighbours, with the potential impact on trees forming a key part of the objections.
The LPA requested that a tree survey and subsequent arboricultural impact assessment, also detailing proposed tree protection measures, be submitted in order to address these concerns.
Tree Frontiers carried out the tree survey and identified that the while the proposals had been designed to accommodate the trees, the proposed level changes and foundation design would result in significant harm to the highest value tree within the site. Based on our advice the design was amended to reduce the impact to this tree. This was in the form of a specific foundation design which would minimise harm to tree roots and retaining the existing ground levels within the Root Protection Areas (RPAs). All of this was included in an Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA) and on annotated plans to provide a clear illustration of the potential impacts to trees and necessary protection measures.
The report also addressed a number of the objections from neighbours, identifying that the perceived harm was far less significant than they were reporting. This was primarily due to incorrect measurements, past tree management practice and existing site conditions (i.e. hardstanding and building footprints).
The Results:
Our report and plans were submitted to the council in support of the live planning application, and the council subsequently approved the application in February this year.
If you need additional tree-related input to a project to assist with your plans please contact us at info@treefrontiers.com
Find out more: Trees, Structures & Development