Trees and development

The council's tree service is required to comment and issue advice on planning applications where trees may be affected. By considering trees from the start, we can ensure they exist in harmony with the development. The council requires all trees affected by the development to be included as part of the detailed planning application.

The council's Landscape and Biodiversity supplementary planning document (SPD) supports a number of policies in the Basingstoke and Deane Local Plan 2011-2029.

The main aims of the guidance are to:

• ensure that new developments respect the character of the local landscape, successfully include features of landscape importance including trees and, where appropriate, include the creation of a high-quality practical landscape within the sites
• ensure that new developments avoid causing harm to important wildlife habitats and species that are under threat
• encourage the inclusion of features into new developments to sustain and enhance wildlife

If the required supporting arboricultural information is not produced in conjunction with the SPD, your application may be delayed or, in some cases, refused. View the Landscape and Biodiversity Supplementary Planning document before making an application.