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.
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 data compliant with BSI technical recommendations without the cost of external surveyors.
A full BS5837 Tree Survey consists of four critical technical components. Arbor Cultural Ltd ensures your application is robust by delivering every element required by the British Standard.
We examine the health and structural integrity of each tree to identify any issues affecting stability or safety. This ensures your project complies with health and safety standards from the outset.
We define the Root Protection Area (RPA) to protect the roots from construction activities. It is crucial to avoid excavation or heavy machinery in these zones to satisfy council requirements.
This plan outlines the limitations imposed by existing trees on the site. Our Tree Constraints Plan (TCP) includes crown spread and root zones to define your build zone accurately.
The TPP details the physical measures needed to protect trees during construction. This is essential for discharge of conditions, often paired with an Arboricultural Method Statement (AMS).
As part of our BS5837 tree survey, the condition and category of every tree must be established. Arbor Cultural Ltd includes a full health and safety assessment of all significant trees within influencing distance of the property. We are the last professional tree consultant to look at your trees; you deserve a professional assessment of any potential risk.
Why is this unique? Some providers in Surrey and the South East are not qualified to assess the safety and condition of trees. We consider that to be negligent. As an accredited Consulting Arborist Society (CAS) member, we utilize the VALID tree assessment method on any trees considered potentially dangerous, ensuring your technical documentation is defensible and accurate.
The main constraints on your site are calculated from our specific measurements: Stem Diameter (used to calculate the RPA), Crown Spread (determining physical space), and Crown Height (establishing clearance).
These specific metrics form the basis of your Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA), which serves to justify your development to the planning officer. We provide the technical evidence so you can Finish the Build.
We recommend tree work only where necessary on health and safety grounds, or where removing part or all of a tree enables a better planning application. We aim to ensure suitable replacements are provided as mitigation, ensuring environmental responsibility while facilitating your build.
Our comprehensive Arboricultural Method Statement (AMS) ensures that once planning is granted, your site remains compliant and protected throughout the construction phase.
Partner with the South East authority in BS5837 Tree Surveys and Arboricultural Impact Assessments.
ARBOR CULTURAL LTD • FINISH THE BUILD