All planning submissions require a site survey compiled by a registered surveyor, showing all the existing site features including spot heights of ground level throughout the development site and specifically including levels at the base of individual trees as a basis for evaluating changes in soil level around trees. The survey should also include other features such as streams, creeks, watercourses, buildings and above and below ground services. Once the surveyor compiles the site survey showing the above items, we can compile a tree survey plan based off the site survey showing the following:
-Confirm Locations of individual trees and capture any prescribed trees missed to meet specific provisions of the determining authority or legislation,
-Location of trees on land adjacent to the development site that may be impacted by the development, where their Tree Protection Zone (TPZ) is within the development site, and
-Crown spread, measured and drawn to scale, defining the actual crown spread in cardinal directions.
The preliminary assessment of the trees should take place at the beginning of the project once any site surveys have been completed. The purpose of this assessment is to provide quantitative and qualitative information on the trees. All trees included in the site survey should be numbered and assessed by the project arborist as the basis for deciding which trees are suitable for retention. Not all trees are worthy of constraining development and so the first stage in preparing for a planning submission is to inspect all the relevant trees, assess their merits in a planning context, and record that information in a tree schedule with consideration given to: Botanical identification and common name, vigour, condition, dimensions such as height, crown spread and Diameter at Breast Height (DBH), age class, estimated life expectancy and retention value or categorisation as a material constraint on development.
The background considerations are complex, but the tree assessment should end up with a simple schedule of trees that are worthy of being a material constraint, and those that are not. This information can be presented in a way that allows non‐tree experts to understand and use it to inform the design evolution. The chosen format depends on the circumstances, but as a minimum there should be explanatory notes on how the data was collected and guidance on its interpretation, supplemented with a tree constraints plan defining the developable area of the site. If appropriate, this can also include advice on new tree planting and place‐making opportunities that may assist meeting the wider planning objectives. This information is to be used by planners, architects, and designers, in conjunction with any planning controls and other legislation, to develop the design layout in such a way that trees selected for retention are provided with enough space. Further consideration should be given to tree sensitive design such as pier and beam, suspended slabs, cantilevered building sections, screw piles and contiguous piling.
The tree constraints plan is based on the site survey and shows additional information on the limitations that the best trees (Category A) impose on the site. The Tree Protection Zone (TPZ) is shown in accordance with AS 4970-2009 Protection of Trees on Development Sites. There is a presumption to avoid any significant disturbance within the TPZ. This plan is for design purposes only and is not intended to be submitted with a planning application.
An arboricultural impact assessment (AIA) is a document that evaluates the potential impacts of proposed development on trees and other vegetation in the area. It is an important document for any development project within greater Sydney, as it helps to identify what action should be taken to protect existing trees, minimise any impacts to trees, and avoid any future tree risk issues. An AIA can help to ensure that any development project is carried out in an environmentally friendly way and meets all the relevant planning and development regulations.
Once the footprint of the design (structures, surfacing, and infrastructure routes) has been agreed, the arboriculturist prepares a formal and compliant arboricultural impact appraisal report, which records the tree details, assesses the impact of the proposal on the trees, which trees will be retained, removed, or transplanted and describes how retained trees will be protected in an arboricultural method statement. The report explains where there is encroachment into the calculated TPZ or Structural Root Zone (SRZ), reviews architectural, services and landscape plans. The report includes a tree protection plan (TPP) showing the TPZ for the trees being retained considering physical tree protection measures and other protection measures. This plan will form part of the development plans and should be shown on other documents such as demolition, bulk earth works, construction and landscape plans.
The locations of the tree protection measures described in the report are shown on a tree protection plan, primarily focusing on fencing, ground protection, and special precautions. The purpose of the report and plan is to show how retained trees will be protected, and to provide enough information to accurately assess the impact of the development proposal on trees.
At this stage in planning, when the outcome of the submission is unknown, it is not practical or feasible to prepare a full arboricultural method statement, however, a method statement is confined to a summary of protection measures specific to the development site that will provide guidance on limiting adverse impact to retained trees. This sets out the main principles that will be necessary but leaves the detail to be described in a detailed document to be prepared after consent is issued. For larger sites, this may include a construction method statement prepared by the developer or engineers to describe how the operational detail of the wider site management will be adjusted to ensure that trees are properly protected and that those requirements are effectively passed on to all the site personnel.
Once planning consent is issued, the process of finalising the detail is normally a priority before the construction activity begins. Wherever trees could be adversely impacted by the construction activity, a tree‐oriented construction method statement is usually required to describe how the routine site operations will be conducted to respect the agreed tree protection measures. Although the site management team will prepare this, preferably in consultation an arboriculturist, it would normally be referenced in an updated arboricultural method statement that expands on the document submitted with the planning application. Construction method statements are most appropriate for larger sites where a written description of the tree protection measures is the most effective means of making sure that all the site operatives are aware of the requirements.
An arboricultural compliance report which includes photographic evidence and details of the health, vigour, and condition of trees, may be required to be submitted to council’s Area Planning Manager at certain hold-points such as:
-Certification tree protection measures have been installed in accordance with the conditions prior to the commencement of works,
-Certification of any key milestones listed within the conditions of consent,
-Details of any works undertaken on any tree to be retained or within TPZ’s, and
-A final compliance or certification of tree protection to be submitted prior to the issuing of the occupation Certificate.