Arboricultural Development Reports (BS 5837:2012)
Streamline your planning application and protect your site’s trees with expert, compliant tree surveys and reports.
Navigating Tree Planning Requirements with Confidence
When submitting a planning application for a site near trees, Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) require technical evidence to prove that development won’t harm retained trees.
At Wood’s Tree Consultancy Ltd, we keep things simple, transparent, and hassle-free. Every BS 5837:2012 Arboricultural Development Report we produce includes all required survey data, impact assessments, and protection methods in one complete document. We never split these into separate reports or charge you extra hidden fees—giving planning officers everything they need while keeping your costs clear and manageable.
Our Step-by-Step Process
Whether you are designing a domestic extension or managing a multi-dwelling development, we guide you through every stage of the planning journey:
1. Pre-Design Consultation & Feasibility
In sensitive sites, we recommend arranging a pre-design meeting between you, your architect, and our tree consultant. Identifying key tree constraints before drawing up initial concepts saves significant time and money by avoiding unnecessary design re-drafts.
2. On-Site Tree Survey
Our qualified consultants conduct a comprehensive site visit to evaluate and record key data for each tree, including:
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Accurate Tree Locations: Plotted precisely using GPS mapping.
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Dimensional Data: Stem diameters, tree height, and cardinal crown spreads (North, South, East, West).
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​Preliminary Recommendations: Required tree works or remedial care prior to development.
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Health & Condition Assessments: sometimes it is necessary to make comment regarding the health of the tree, for example if it is dead, or if it's less dense, or has a structural defect.
(Note: You are welcome to meet us on-site to discuss your project vision, though your presence is not required for us to complete the survey.)
Precision Plans & Technical Documentation
We process all field survey data into clear, easy-to-read spreadsheets (.csv / Excel schedules) and overlay tree constraints directly onto your architect’s design drawings.
Depending on your project stage, your technical plans will include:
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Tree Survey Plan (TSP):
A baseline plan illustrating existing site layouts, tree positions, crown spreads, and British Standard quality categories (A, B, C, or U). -
Tree Protection Plan (TPP):
A detailed plan for your planning submission showing proposed building footprints, Root Protection Areas (RPAs), protective Heras fencing positions, and temporary ground protection zones (such as Terram membrane, woodchip, and protective boarding).
A Note on Pre-Application Reports: If you are in the very early stages of a project, we can also produce a Tree Impact Plan (TIP). Usually included only for pre-application reports or feasibility studies, a TIP shows RPAs and constraints before an architect finalizes the design. This helps architects design around tree constraints from day one, saving you from costly re-draws later.
All-Inclusive AIA & AMS: No Hidden Costs
Some consultancies break their services into separate individual reports and charge you more at every step.
We don't do that.
Every single report we issue automatically combines the Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA) and Arboricultural Method Statement (AMS)/
One complete package - One fee.
Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA)
The AIA evaluates how proposed structures will interact with surrounding trees. If your proposed design intrudes on a Root Protection Area (RPA), it is not the end of the road. We identify pragmatic design solutions, canopy management strategies, and mitigation measures to justify your build to local authority planning officers.
Arboricultural Method Statement (AMS)
The AMS provides technical, step-by-step instructions for your construction team. It details specific engineering solutions for RPA work—such as no-dig driveways, cantilevered foundations, or manual hand-digging protocols—ensuring retained trees remain protected throughout site operations.
On-Site Support During Construction
Securing planning permission is just the first step. To maintain compliance with planning conditions:
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Site Set-Up Guidance: We assist on-site to ensure protective fencing and ground protection measures are installed in accordance to the Tree Protection Plan (TPP). This is a key step and something that needs approval from the local authority tree officer before any construction can commence. We know that construction sites are dynamic, so if there are any changes to the tree protection at this stage, we can ask the local authority tree officer if they are happy to approve the changes.
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On-Site Monitoring: Our consultants provide site supervision during sensitive operations within RPAs, from demolition of existing buildings to installation of patios, there may be times we need to be onsite to help with any tree related issues and come up with practical solutions.
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Contractor & Authority Liaison: We can manage tree surgery quotes, coordinate with local authority tree officers, and assist with any public inquiries.
Get Your Free, No-Obligation Quote Today
We make obtaining a quote quick and hassle-free. Using our calculated formula based upon number of trees and travel time from our office in Camberely, Surrey we can give you an accurate quotation for your project. we can usually provide a quote with just your house name/number, postcode, and a brief description or copy of your architect's drawings.
Click below to start the process.