The Professional's Guide to BS 5837 Tree Surveys for Planning and Development

If you are preparing a planning application for a development site in Kent, South East London, or East London, the term ‘BS5837’ has almost certainly come up. It's a critical step that can make or break your project's approval, yet many people are unsure exactly what it entails.

A BS 5837 tree survey is not just a formality; it's the official framework required by every local planning authority to ensure trees are properly considered during any design, demolition, or construction project.

At Canopy IQ, we are experts in arboricultural consultancy. We provide professional BS5837 tree surveys for developments of all sizes, from a simple home extension to a large commercial build, across key areas like Sevenoaks, Bromley Kent, Maidstone, and Canterbury. This guide explains what the survey is and when you'll need one.

What Exactly Is a BS5837 Tree Survey?

The official name is British Standard 5837:2012, 'Trees in relation to design, demolition and construction – Recommendations'. In simple terms, it's the rulebook used by developers, architects, and planning officers across the UK.

The survey is a comprehensive tree assessment performed by a qualified tree consultant or arborist. Its primary goal is to provide a clear, impartial inventory of the trees on and adjacent to your site, evaluating their health, quality, and constraints. This ensures that decisions about which trees to retain, protect, or remove are based on expert data, not guesswork.

When is a BS 5837 Survey an Absolute Requirement?

You will need a BS 5837 survey if you are proposing any development that could potentially affect existing trees. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Building new residential or commercial properties.

• Constructing an extension to an existing building.

• Creating new driveways, access roads, or hard-standing areas.

• Installing new underground services or drainage.

• Changing the ground levels on a site.

Essentially, if your project involves any form of construction near trees, the council will demand a BS 5837 survey to proceed with your application.

Decoding the Report: The Three Key Components

A compliant BS 5837 report is more than just a list of trees. It's a detailed package of documents that guides the planning process. The main components include:

1. The Tree Survey & Tree Constraints Plan (TCP) First, our professional arborist conducts a thorough tree condition survey on site. We identify each tree, assess its health, size, and age, and assign it a retention category. This data is then used to create a Tree Constraints Plan—a detailed map showing the root protection area (RPA) for each tree. This plan is crucial as it visually demonstrates the "no-go" zones for construction.

2. The Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA) This is the analytical part of the report. The AIA overlays your proposed development plans onto the Tree Constraints Plan. It assesses the direct and indirect impacts of your project on the existing trees and identifies any potential conflicts. It’s a critical document for showing the planning officer that you have carefully considered the site's arboricultural value.

3. The Arboricultural Method Statement (AMS) & Tree Protection Plan (TPP) If the AIA shows that construction will happen close to trees being retained, this final stage provides the solution. The Arboricultural Method Statement is a detailed "how-to" guide for builders, specifying exactly how trees will be protected during the entire construction phase. This is accompanied by a Tree Protection Plan, a technical drawing illustrating the precise location and type of protective fencing and ground protection to be used.

Your Partner for Compliant Surveys in Kent and London

Failing to provide a compliant BS5837:2012 survey will lead to inevitable delays and could result in a costly refusal of your planning permission.

At Canopy IQ, we specialise in providing clear, comprehensive reports that meet the stringent standards of local authorities across Kent and London, including Tonbridge, Dartford, Gravesend, and the wider South East. We help you balance your development goals with the legal requirements for tree preservation, ensuring your project moves through the planning system efficiently and successfully.

If your project involves construction near trees, don't wait for the council to demand the paperwork. Contact Canopy IQ today for an expert BS 5837 tree survey and move your development forward with confidence.