Development and neighbour's tree roots

[Verena]

Hiya,

 

I am currently drawing up a tree protection plan and got stuck with this question:

 

The site and the neighbours site are retained by a 0.5-0.8m high stone retaining wall running along a residential road.

 

The neighbour has got a tree in his front garden, and the RPA extends into the site.

 

My client proposes to take a chunk out of the retaining walln regrade his land and build a ramp affecting aprrox. 20% of the offiste tree's RPA.

 

The client can- in theory- cut roots, but we would normally go a few lengths to protect a neighbour's tree and its roots. Assuming the access ramp and regrading can't be avoided, would you just not protect this part of the RPA?

 

Grateful for any thoughts...

 

Thanks

[sloth]

Hi Verena, what stage is the application at? If planning permission has been granted and you are writing a method statement and protection plan as part of a condition then just do the best you can to minimise root damage; and caveat that pre-application consultation could have highlighted this arb impact and suggested mitigation. If it is early enough in the planning process use your judgement: Will the tree be ok? Is it 20% off a mature beech, or a young healthy oak? What about the rooting environment beyond the rpa that would remain untouched, is it prime soil or tarmac drive?

If you think it will be ok say so, and be prepared to argue your case to the Tree Officer. If not, say so and maybe suggest an alternative to the designer.

Best of luck, keep us updated