BS5837 Tree Surveys for Planning Permission
Don’t let trees constrain your development. We deliver comprehensive BS5837 Surveys, Constraints Plans, and Method Statements designed to maximize your developable space. Trusted by architects across the South East, our fixed-fee reports provide the expert technical data needed to satisfy even the strictest Tree Officers.
What is a BS5837 Tree Survey?
A BS5837 Tree Survey is the essential first step for any development near trees to secure planning permission. Its purpose is to identify exactly what trees you have on site, how important they are, and the impact they will have on your proposed development (and vice versa).
Ideally, we work from a professional Topographical Survey. However, for smaller sites in Surrey and the South East, we can save you money.
If a topographical survey is not available, our expert tree consultants are able to triangulate the locations of trees manually. We number, identify, categorise, and measure every tree to establish the constraints they pose, ensuring you get accurate BS5837 compliant data without the cost of external surveyors.
Why we don't just "Count Trees"
As part of our BS5837 tree survey, the condition of the tree and its category must be established. In doing this, Arbor Cultural Ltd includes a full health and safety assessment of all significant trees within influencing distance of the property.
We are often the last professional tree consultant to look at your trees, and you would obviously benefit from a professional assessment of any potential risk posed by them.
Why is this unique? Some providers of tree surveys in Surrey and the South East don’t consider this to be an important aspect and are not qualified in assessing the safety and condition of trees. We consider that to be negligent.
As we are acting as your expert tree surveyor when we visit your site, we believe all BS5837 surveyors should take this approach. We will use the VALID tree assessment method on any trees considered to be potentially dangerous (described in detail on our Tree Health & Safety Survey page).
What defines your build zone?
The main constraints on your site are calculated from our specific measurements:
Stem Diameter: Used to calculate the Root Protection Area (RPA).
Crown Spread: Determining the physical space the tree occupies.
Crown Height: Establishing clearance levels.
These constraints will be plotted on a Tree Constraints Plan (TCP), which is used along with ground conditions and other site features to produce a Tree Protection Plan (TPP).
Removals & Replacements
As part of our assessment, we will recommend any tree work that we consider necessary on health and safety grounds, or where it cannot be avoided to remove part or all of a tree to enable a better planning application.
We always aim to ensure suitable replacements are provided as mitigation. This ensures a continuity of tree cover on your site, satisfying the need for environmental responsibility while facilitating your build.
Your Journey With Us
Consultation & Quote
Contact us via our simple form or by phone. We assess your specific needs – whether for planning permission or safety – and provide a fixed-fee proposal with zero hidden costs.
Expert Site Survey
We arrange a visit at your convenience. Our consultants use advanced decay detection and mapping technology to gather precise data efficiently, minimizing disruption to your day.
Expert Site Survey
We analyse the data and produce a legally defensible report. Once finalized, your document is delivered digitally – ready for immediate submission to your council, lender, or insurer.