Development Checklist No9 - Trees, Plants, Vegetation and etc

Check 9.1: Check the site and buildings for harmful vegetation and other natural growth.

Check 9.2: Review the above findings in terms of statutory requirements and other management policies.

Check 9.3: Develop a management action plan to deal with issues arising from the above. 

1. High Hedgerows:    Certain overgrown evergreen hedgerows may be designated by the local authority as high hedgerows and the developer/occupier/owner of the dwelling must reduce their height to 2 metres.
2. Japanese Knotweed:  Japanese knotweed is a vigorous invasive plant capable of growing through concrete and other hard surfaces. Prior to development of land every trace must be removed. It is a notifiable under the XXXX and removal from land is strictly controlled.
3. Important Hedgerows:    Certain hedgerows are described as important hedgerows and must not be uprooted by the developer/owner/occupier without the consent of the local authority.
4. Trees:   Trees at a boundary may be the cause of problems with neighbours. Developers might usefully consider the impact on neighbours of existing trees or of planned new planting. Issues include:  a) damage to boundary markers by branches or roots, b) overhanging or falling branches. c) damage to buildings  and drains by roots.   
   
5. Weeds: Certain weeds are controlled under the Weeds Act 1959.


6. Tree Preservation - Planning legislation enables the local planning authority (LPA)to protect certain trees by a tree preservation order. Any  works to a preserved tree must be formally authorised by the consent of the LPA.