Private Development in Worcester
About This Project
Client:
Private client
Site:
Residential site, Worcester
Introduction:
Tree Frontiers were asked to assist with a private development project involving a number of trees subject to Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs). We surveyed the site and identified two trees which would require removal in order to facilitate the proposed plans – one of these was subject to a recently made TPO. We were able to demonstrate the need for this removal as part of our report which was submitted as part of a successful planning application.
Background:
We were referred to the client by Ecology By Design, ecologists with whom we have collaborated on a number of different projects. Ecology By Design offer a full range of ecological services including biodiversity net gain advice. On this project they were working with QD Architecture and Envisage Gardens.
The Opportunity:
In conjunction with the project architects a pre-application had been submitted to Worcester City Council (the Local Planning Authority) proposing the demolition of the existing dwelling on the site, and its replacement with a new dwelling and annexe. Response from the LPA was generally positive, but they requested that an Arboricultural Impacts Assessment be submitted along with the full application in order to demonstrate the impact of any development and to outline mitigation proposals.
In addition to this, the LPA made a group of trees in the southern part of the site subject to a Tree Preservation Order (TPO). In doing this they noted to the client that in making this order they had taken care to ensure that it did not affect the position or construction of the proposed replacement dwelling.
Tree Frontiers carried out an arboricultural survey, and using the data obtained from this were able to establish that two trees would need to be removed due to their location in relation to a new retaining wall that would be essential in order for the build to go ahead as planned. One of these trees was subject to the newly made TPO, but in the absence of any alternative solution and given the advice received from the LPA we were able to argue that whilst not ideal the loss of this tree would be essential.
In order to compensate for this, replacement planting of four new trees was proposed as part of the planning submission, with the anticipation that the replacement tree closest in location to the removed TPO tree would be subject to the same TPO once planted.
The Results:
Tree Frontiers’ report was submitted as part of the full planning application and permission was granted in June 2026. The consent was subject to three tree-related conditions, which specified that the mitigation and protection measures we had outlined must be adhered to, that the retained trees must be protected in accordance with the Tree Protection Plan we had drawn up, and that no development should commence until after a site meeting to detail the installation of tree protection measures.
If you have trees subject to a TPO or other statutory constraints which have the potential to hinder a development plan contact us for advice in the early planning stages at info@treefrontiers.com
Find out more: Trees, Structures & Development