Trees and Development

Trees are a vital and integral component of the built environment, adding variety and structural diversity and softening the visual impact of buildings and hard surfaces. By enriching our surroundings and creating a more aesthetically pleasing living environment, trees are instrumental in enhancing our quality of life. Apart from their visual amenity value, trees provide shade, help to absorb noise and provide a habitat for wildlife. The more general environmental benefits of trees include the filtering of air borne pollutants and the net production of oxygen.

When considering proposals for development it is important to take into account the effect such proposals may have on trees growing on and in the vicinity of the site, and to explore the opportunities for new planting. All trees, regardless of their protected status, can be a material consideration in the planning process.