Trees should not be planted over underground services or drains due to possible
disturbance and blockage by root damage. Similarly, the routing of underground
services through the RPA should be avoided, trenching will sever any roots present
and may also affect local soil hydrology. Services should be kept together and
trenchless techniques used wherever possible. Where it is not possible to avoid
services passing through the RPA, the developer will be required provide a
Arboricultural Method Statement and detailed plans demonstrating how damage to
roots will be minimised. (To obtain guidance on planning, installation and
maintenance of utility services in proximity to trees visit the National Joint Utilities
Group (NJUG) web site at www.njug.org.uk).
Where excavation works within the Root Protection Area are unavoidable, the
developer will be required to provide a detailed Arboricultural Method Statement on
how the work will be carried out to minimize the damage to the tree and its roots
system. All excavation should be carried out by hand in order to minimise the
disturbance to the root system and should be supervised by a qualified arborist.
Policies apply to trees whose retention is considered necessary and reasonable. On
sites where trees are felt to be particularly vulnerable to damage, and where additional
safeguards are felt necessary, a planning condition requiring the submission and
approval of a detailed Method Statement for Arboricultural Works may be
attached to the planning approval. Arboricultural Method Statements will be expected
to address the following:
Timing and phasing of all arboricultural works in relation to the proposed
development.
Implementation, monitoring, supervision and maintenance of the Trees
Protection Scheme.
Implementation, monitoring and supervision of the approved Tree Work
Specification.
Implementation, monitoring and supervision of any approved development
works or construction activities within the defined exclusion zones.
Provision for regular monitoring of ongoing development operations to ensure
full compliance with the approved Tree Protection Scheme and
Arboricultural Method Statement for the duration of the development.
The setting up of an agreed framework for maintaining appropriate levels of
communication between all involved parties.
Provision for qualified arboricultural supervision
Peter Jackson Developments based in Stoke-on-Trent, Newcastle, Newcastle under Lyme, Staffordshire, provide arboriculture, architecture services, planning services, and landscape design.
