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Statement of reasons

Local Planning application requirements

Guidance

Reasons for the proposed works must be given for work to trees protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO), and is helpful for trees in conservation areas. Please make clear to which trees the descriptions of works and reasons apply – this must be clearly specified.

Evidence in support of statement of reasons should be provided – in particular, you should provide the information detailed below when your application relates to the condition of the tree or damage that it is causing.

Condition of tree(s)

The presence and impact of pests, diseases or fungi that require work to be carried out to the tree(s) should be described in written evidence or diagnostic information from an arboricultralist or other appropriate expert. Arboricultural evidence must be provided to support applications that suggest the tree has defects that me be of concern to the current or future safe retention of the tree or parts of the tree.

When your application relates to alleged damage to property caused by subsidence/damage to drains or driveways:

Subsidence

Reports will usually be provided by a structural engineer and/or a chartered surveyor and be supported by technically analysis from other experts e.g. for root and soil analysis. These reports must include the following information

  • A description of the property, including a description of the damage and the crack pattern, the date that the damage first occurred/was noted, details of any previous underpinning or building work, the geological strata for the site identified from the geological map
  • Details of vegetation in the vicinity and its management since discovery of the damage. Include a plan showing the vegetation and affected building
  • Measurement of the extent and distribution of vertical movement using level monitoring Where level monitoring is not possible, state why and provide crack-monitoring data. Data provided must be sufficient to show a pattern of movement consistent with the presence of the implicated tree(s)
  • A profile of a trial/bore hole dug to identify foundation type and depth and soil characteristics
  • The sub-soil characteristics including soil type, particularly that on which the foundations rest, liquid limit, plastic limit and plasticity index
  • The location and identification of roots found. Where identification is inconclusive, DNA testing should be carried out and
  • Proposals and estimated costs of options to repair the damage.

In addition you must include a report from an arboriculturalist to support the tree work proposals, including arboricultural options for avoidance or curing of indirect tree-related damage.

Other structural damage

Technical evidence in respect of other structural damage, such garden walls, drains, paving and drive surfaces, should be provided by a relevant engineer, building/drainage surveyor or other appropriate expert.

When required

Required for works relating to trees protected by a TPO, and is also helpful for works to trees in a conservation area. To check whether a tree is covered by a TPO or falls within a conservation area please check our interactive map.