Arboricultural Impact Assessment Brief

# Arboricultural Impact Assessment — Brief & Checklist

**Site Address:** [Address]
**Applicant:** [Name]
**Arboriculturist:** [Name, qualifications — must be competent to BS 5837]
**Date:** [Date]

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## Required Deliverables (BS 5837:2012)

### Survey Stage
- [ ] Tree survey schedule (species, height, stem diameter, crown spread, age class, condition, BS 5837 category A/B/C/U)
- [ ] Tree constraints plan (TCP) showing root protection areas (RPAs) and crown spreads
- [ ] Assessment of trees suitable for retention (categorised per BS 5837 Table 1)

### Design Stage
- [ ] Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA) — assessing impact of proposed development on trees
- [ ] Tree protection plan (TPP) — showing protective fencing, ground protection, construction exclusion zones
- [ ] Arboricultural method statement (AMS) — for any works within or adjacent to RPAs

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## Key Information for the Arboriculturist

**Proposed development:** [Description]
**Trees potentially affected:** [List any known trees — TPO, conservation area, significant specimens]
**Known constraints:** [TPOs, conservation area, ancient woodland within 15m, veteran trees]
**Proposed access route:** [How will the site be accessed during construction?]
**Underground services:** [Any known services within RPAs?]

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## Common Issues to Address

- Can the layout avoid Category A and B trees?
- Are RPAs accurately calculated (12× stem diameter)?
- Is the tree protection fencing to BS 5837 specification?
- Are "no-dig" construction methods specified where structures are within RPAs?
- Has the impact of level changes on RPAs been assessed?
- Is a post-development management plan included for retained trees?

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## LPA Requirements

- [ ] Check LPA-specific tree survey requirements
- [ ] Check if LPA requires trees to be surveyed to a minimum stem diameter threshold
- [ ] Check if a separate landscaping condition is likely

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