Benefits and Disadvantages of Drone Surveying

In today’s rapidly evolving technological society, drones have altered various industries for the better. However, when it comes to drone surveying is there more pros or cons?

Benefits of Drone Surveying:

• Faster data collection compared to traditional methods.
• Improved safety as a result of removing humans from potentially hazardous situations.
• Increased accuracy.
• Realtime monitoring.
• Cost effective in the long run, although has high initial investment costs.

Drawbacks of Drone Surveying:

Cost Implications: 

Firstly, the initial cost of drone technology is expensive. It can cost thousands of pounds to buy a drone equipped with the cameras and sensors needed for drone surveying. On top of this there may be an additional need for accessories and software to enhance the drones functionality.

Maintenance costs also need to be considered as regular repairs, services, software updates and part replacements may be needed to keep the drone in optimal condition. All of the above need to be carried out by a professional and add to the overall operation cost of the drone.

In addition, drone pilots need to undertake expert training in order to operate a drone legally and safely. This training and certification come at a cost and is an ongoing expense as continuous professional development is necessary to maintain your certification.

Legal Requirements: 

Drone surveying is subject to regulations set by the Civil Aviation Authorities (CAA). Commercial drones used for drone surveying need to be registered with the CAA and this needs to be renewed each year. The registration is of you as the operator rather than the drone. You can register, get your flyer ID and find more information at register-drones.caa.co.uk.

Furthermore, there are several privacy concerns that need to be considered. Failure to navigate the issues can result in hefty fines, legal repercussions and privacy violations. Drones that are equipped with cameras can take videos, images and collect data from private properties and individuals without their consent which has resulted in numerous lawsuits for alleged privacy violations.

Airspace Limitations:

Adhering to and understanding these airspace limitations is critical for drone operators. Drones are often restricted in certain areas such as airports, military bases and other sensitive locations. Additionally specific locations may be ”no-flight” zones due to safety or environmental concerns. You should never fly more than 120m (400ft) above the surface and always keep it in your site, taking extra caution in built up areas. Temporary airspace restrictions are frequently put in place across the UK, therefore you should check airspace information section before flying.

Weather Setbacks:

As we know, the UK is often subject to poor weather. This can be a disadvantage when drone surveying as strong winds and rain can limit the use of drones and can therefore delay data collection.

Fly Time:

The majority of drones have a limited flying time of approximately 15 to 30 minutes, therefore multiple flights may be required to complete surveys of large areas, resulting in prolonged survey times.

Contact Us:

At ProHort we understand the implications drones can have on wildlife and avoid drone use where possible. Get in touch with us now to discuss how we can help you with your planning needs.

Alternatively, you can find out more about the services we offer here.

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Biodiversity Net Gain Assessments

Biodiversity Net Gain Assessments

Further to our previous article regarding Biodiversity Net Gain, on the 18th January 2024 it was announced that Biodiversity net gain assessments will be required from the 12th February 2024 (major developments) and from April 2nd 2024 (small developments). From these dates onwards, Biodiversity net gain assessments will be mandatory for new planning applications submitted for both major and small developments.

As defined by the Land Use Policy team, major developments include:
– Residential developments that include 10 or more dwellings.
– Developments where the site area is greater than 0.5 hectares.

Whereas smaller development projects will be subject to the mandatory Biodiversity net gain requirements from the 2nd April 2024.

A small site development has been defined as:
– Residential developments consisting of 1 – 9 dwellings.
– Residential developments where the site area if less than 0.5 hectares.
– Commercial developments where the floor space that is being created is less than 1000
square metres.
– Commercial developments where the total site area is less than 1 hectare.

Biodiversity Net Gain will be required for nearly all new applications for planning permission, however there are some exclusions.

These exclusions include:

– Requests for retrospective planning permission.
– Planning applications submitted prior to the 12th February 2024.
– Any applications to vary a planning condition on planning permission granted before the 12th February.
– Development works that do not impact a priority habitat and impacts less than 25 square metres of non-priority habitat. Alternatively, the development works should not impact more than 5 metres of non-priority linear habitat.
– The development of an existing property, except to change its use or change the number of dwellings within the property.
– Small scale self-build projects that consist of no more than 9 dwellings, are carried out on a site which is no larger than 0.5 hectares and consist exclusively of dwellings that are self-built.
– Development upon biodiversity gain sites, which are designed solely to enhance the biodiversity on behalf of other development sites, or provide access to the public for educational or recreational purposes without charging a fee.
– Development which is part of or ancillary to the High-Speed Transport Network.

Contact Us for Biodiversity Net Gain Assessments:

If you are a Developer or require a Biodiversity Net Gain assessment to accompany your planning application, ProHort can help! Get in touch with us now to discuss how we can help you and arrange your assessment.

Alternatively, you can find out more about the services we offer here.

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Construction Exclusion Zone

Tree Protection Plan

What is a Tree Protection Plan?

You need a Tree Protection Plan when applying for planning permission as this will always be required by the town planners. 

The purpose of the Tree Protection Plan (TPP) is to illustrate all the trees that are to be retained. This would include accurately showing the spread of the trees to the four cardinal points (North, East, South & West). It would also include showing where the protective fencing would be erected so as to protect the trees roots and canopy.

 

See below example of a TPP as part of a tree survey to the B5837:2012 standard:

How do I Know if a Tree Has a TPO (Tree Protection Order)?

The first way is to take a look at the actual tree, often they have a silver metal tag attached to the tree to identify them with a number. As this is not always the case, you can then check the council website as some councils will have a web page with all trees that have a TPO on them identified on a virtual map. The final way is to make direct contact and request the information in writing.

How Close Can I Dig to a Tree That Has a TPO?

On the TPP you can see a black line outlining the Tree Protection Fencing. The objective of that fencing is to stop any digging within the area called the “Root zone.” The root zone is calculated, the figures are put into the Tree survey and that information is then laid out visually on the Tree Protection Plan. If a tree has a TPO this will influence the design of the building and where it is situated. Typically, the Town planners would not allow the removal of a tree with a TPO.

What happens if I Cut Down a Tree With a TPO?

We have known developers cut down trees with a TPO as they felt impacted significantly with their development. We would not recommend this course of action as by felling a TPO tree this can mean you are fined up to £20,000. If you carry out some work or damage a tree with a TPO without permission then this can result in a fine of £2,500. 

If work needs to be carried out on any tree but especially one with a TPO on it we can assist by applying on your behalf,, filling out all the necessary applications and giving well thought out reasons that the work is required so as to ensure a successful application.

 

Contact Us:

If you have any questions with regards Tree Protection Plans and Preservation Orders please give us a ring on: 01782 479479 (Head office) or contact us.

 

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