Planning – Application Comments

Comment Date: Thu 21 Aug 2025

The natural Infrastructure team have no objection to this proposal subject to condition. We are of the opinion that significant impacts to tree T20 are unlikely as a result of this development and therefore have no objections or further comments to make in regards to trees and DEV28.

If the council is minded to grant permission for this proposal we would recommend that a suitably worded tree protection condition is applied to prevent any unauthorised tree works or removals. Example condition as follows:

CONDITION: EXISTING TREE/HEDGEROWS TO BE RETAINED/PROTECTED
In this condition "retained tree or hedgerow" means an existing tree or hedgerow which is to be retained in accordance with the approved plans and particulars; and paragraphs (a) and (b) below shall have effect until the expiration of 5 years from the commencement of development.

A: No retained tree or hedgerow shall be cut down, uprooted or destroyed, nor shall any tree be pruned other than in accordance with the approved plans and particulars, without the written approval of the Local Planning Authority. Any pruning approved shall be carried out in accordance with BS 3998: 2010 Tree Work Recommendations.

B: If any retained tree or hedgerow is removed, uprooted or destroyed or dies, or pruned in breach of (a) above in a manner which, in the opinion of the Local Planning Authority, leaves it in such a poor condition that it is unlikely to recover and/or attain its previous amenity value, another tree or hedgerow shall be planted at the same place and that tree or hedgerow shall be of such size and species, and shall be planted at such time, as may be specified in writing by the Local Planning Authority.

C: The erection of barriers and ground protection for any retained tree or hedgerow shall be undertaken in accordance with the approved plans and/or in accordance with Section 6.2 of BS 5837:2012 Trees in Relation to Design, Demolition and Construction - Recommendations before any equipment, machinery or materials are brought onto the site for the purposes of the development, and shall be maintained until all equipment, machinery and surplus materials have been removed from the site. Nothing shall be stored or placed in any area fenced in accordance with this condition and the ground levels within those areas shall not be altered, nor shall any excavation be made, without the written consent of the Local Planning Authority.

Reason:
To ensure that the trees on site are protected during construction work in accordance with policy DEV28 of the Plymouth and South West Devon Joint Local Plan and paragraphs 130, 131, 174 and 180 of the National Planning Policy Framework.