Private Development in the Cotswolds

About This Project

Client:

Private client

Site:

Residential property

Introduction:

Tree Frontiers were asked to carry out an arboricultural survey at a private property in the Cotswolds, where plans were being proposed for an extension and addition of a subterranean structure. Our advice was required regarding the potential impact on a group of off-site trees that these works might have. We carried out a survey and attended trial investigations to determine the presence, or lack, of roots in the proposed site. The findings of this were incorporated as part of our report which was submitted alongside the planning application.

Background:

Tree Frontiers were approached by Timothy Tasker Architects who had drawn up preliminary plans for the extension and redevelopment of a cottage in the Cotswolds. The plans included a lower ground element to include garaging and additional living space.

The Opportunity:

Concerns were raised regarding the proximity of several off-site trees to the planned works. We visited the site and carried out a detailed tree survey, and followed this up with some initial advice for the design team. Trial trenches were dug using hand-tools, with care taken to avoid root severance. These trenches were aligned to follow the proposed new foundation line.

On careful examination of the roots that were exposed in these trial trenches we were able to advise that there was a very limited presence of roots extending into the Site from the offsite trees. Due to the level changes between the two sites, the boundary wall between them, and the existing ground conditions it could be concluded that the majority of the roots of these trees extended away from the proposed new building.

Further to this we were able to advise on the minimum and optimum distances from the trees at which the roots could be severed without causing significant structural harm. By outlining these on our Arboricultural Implications Plan and overlaying them on the design plans we were able to demonstrate that only one tree would have the potential for root severance within the optimum distance, and by cross-referencing this against the roots found in the trial trenches it was noted that in fact there were no roots present in any case.

The Results:

Tree Frontiers detailed all of the above as part of our Arboricultural Impact Assessment, also including advice regarding temporary ground protection solutions to be implemented during the construction process. This report, together with our tree schedule and plans, was submitted as part of the wider planning application to the LPA. Permission for the scheme was granted in March.

The level of detail that we could provide to the design team enabled a successful plan to be submitted with minimal objection. If you require a similar assessment to assist you in a planning application contact us at info@treefrontiers.com

Find out more: Trees, Structures & Development