Consultancy Service

Planning & Development

Independent arboricultural consultancy supporting development projects from initial site appraisal through to planning approval and construction.

Whether you are extending a home, developing a residential site or delivering a commercial project, we provide practical arboricultural advice that helps integrate trees into the development process while meeting planning requirements.

Mature pines on the edge of a wooded slope overlooking open ground below.
Trees and Development

Trees shape a site long before the first drawing.

Trees are an important consideration within the planning process. They contribute to the character of a site, provide environmental benefits and are often protected by planning policy or legislation.

Successful development requires an understanding of how existing trees influence design proposals, construction methods and long term site management.

Early arboricultural input can identify opportunities, avoid unnecessary design changes and help ensure that development proposals progress smoothly through the planning process.

Our role is to provide clear, practical advice that supports both sustainable development and the long-term retention of suitable trees wherever reasonably possible.

Our Approach

Every site presents its own opportunities and constraints.

We work closely with homeowners, architects, planning consultants and developers to understand the objectives of each project before providing proportionate arboricultural advice.

Wherever possible, we encourage early engagement during the design stage, allowing tree constraints to inform development proposals rather than creating unnecessary delays later in the planning process.

Our recommendations are independent, evidence-based and tailored to the individual site.

A single mature tree standing in open ground, the kind of specimen that shapes the opportunities and constraints of a development site.
Planning Services We Provide

Advice matched to each stage of the project.

BS 5837 Tree Surveys

Tree surveys prepared in accordance with BS 5837:2012 Trees in Relation to Design, Demolition and Construction – Recommendations.

These surveys identify existing trees, assess their quality and provide the information required to support planning applications and site design.

Tree Constraints Plans

Plans illustrating the location, category and Root Protection Areas of existing trees, helping inform site layout and development proposals.

Arboricultural Impact Assessments

Assessment of the likely impact of proposed development on existing trees, together with recommendations to avoid or minimise harm wherever reasonably possible.

Arboricultural Method Statements

Detailed guidance describing how construction activities should be undertaken in proximity to retained trees, helping ensure they remain protected throughout the development process.

Tree Protection Plans

Plans identifying protective fencing, ground protection and other measures required to safeguard retained trees during demolition and construction.

Pre Development Advice

Early arboricultural advice that helps identify opportunities and constraints before detailed design work begins, reducing the likelihood of costly redesign later in the project.

Planning Support

Independent arboricultural advice throughout the planning process, helping clients respond to planning conditions, local authority queries and evolving project requirements.

When You May Need Planning Advice

When planning advice is likely to help.

Planning related arboricultural consultancy may be required when:

  • Extending or altering a property
  • Building a new dwelling
  • Redeveloping an existing site
  • Preparing a planning application
  • Developing land containing mature trees
  • Working close to protected trees
  • Meeting planning conditions
  • Constructing within Root Protection Areas
  • Seeking advice before purchasing development land

Early advice often provides greater flexibility than attempting to resolve tree constraints once designs have already been finalised.

What You Will Receive

Documents your planning authority expects.

Depending on the project, our consultancy may include the items opposite.

Reports are prepared in clear, professional language suitable for clients, architects, planning consultants and Local Planning Authorities.

Depending on the project, these may include

  • BS 5837-compliant tree survey
  • Tree schedule
  • Tree Constraints Plan
  • Arboricultural Impact Assessment
  • Arboricultural Method Statement
  • Tree Protection Plan
  • Practical design recommendations
  • Planning support
  • Ongoing consultancy throughout construction where required
Who We Work With

From domestic extensions to large scale sites.

Planning consultancy is regularly provided for:

  • Homeowners
  • Architects
  • Planning consultants
  • Property developers
  • Commercial clients
  • Schools
  • Local authorities
  • Housing associations
  • Landowners
  • Estate managers

Whether the project involves a domestic extension or a large scale development, our advice remains practical, proportionate and focused on achieving positive outcomes for both the client and the trees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions, answered plainly.

Related Services

Where planning work often connects.

Start a conversation

Supporting sustainable development through independent arboricultural advice.

Early arboricultural involvement helps create better developments, reduces delays and supports the long-term retention of valuable trees wherever reasonably possible.

Contact Ecovo to discuss your project →