There have been changes in biodiversity requirements. The biodiversity of a site is defined as the level of variety in desirable plant or animal life within a habitat. Currently, the Government’s National Planning Policy requires that local planning authorities encourages developers to improve biodiversity. However, there is no current standardised approach to how this is implemented, and the requirement is not enforceable by law.
The Environmental Bill
The Environmental Bill for England, which is currently going through Parliament, will introduce a mandatory requirement of increasing biodiversity by a minimum of 10%. This is referred to as biodiversity net gain. Keeping in line with the Government’s aim to leave the environment in a better state than we originally found it.
The introduction of the Environmental Bill is due to come into place at the end of 2020, with a two year transition period. Following this, planning approval will only be granted upon receipt of evidence that the development project will increase biodiversity by at least 10%. This biodiversity net gain will also need to be maintained for a minimum of 30 years and long-term protection will be a planning condition or obligation.
The Requirements
This increase in biodiversity requirements will have a direct impact on the approach landscape architects take in the future. Having to submit a biodiversity net gain plan for any projects. In these plans they will need to choose between three different possible approaches to addressing the biodiversity requirement:
Avoid any harm to the biodiversity of the site altogether. This could be through designs that are sympathetic to the surroundings or avoid existing features of interest.
Compensate for any harm caused by the development. This could be through the creation of alternative local habitats. Replacing trees or considering alternative ways of introducing a habitat.
Pay a tariff which will go towards supporting both local and national habitat creation projects.
As well as detailing how the net gain will be achieved. The biodiversity net gain plan will also need to include how the biodiversity value has been calculated. This value should be calculated using DEFRA’s Biodiversity Metric 2.0, and the estimated value upon completion will be compared to the original value of the site.
To prevent the illegal clearing of sites before a planning application takes place. Biodiversity records from Local Environment Record Centres will also be referred to. Any sites that have been identified to having been cleared will be subject to relevant penalties.
ProHort Ltd provide a range of landscape plans and landscape and visual impact assessments, which address the requirement for biodiversity net gain. Why not find out more about our Landscape and Visual Impact assessment service and get in touch?
A TPO (Tree Preservation Order) is an order made by your local council or planning authority to protect specific trees, groups of trees or areas of woodland. The trees or areas are assessed on individual merit, so there are no set or defined criteria for assessing the trees. Here are The Do’s and Don’ts of Trimming with a TPO…
If you suspect your tree has a TPO, please do contact your council ahead of any work taking place on the tree.
A Tree With A TPO
If you do have a tree or a garden that is subject to a TPO, then you are unable to cut down the tree. Topping the tree (the removal of a large amount of growth from the top of the tree), lopping the tree (the removal of a large amount of growth from the side of the tree) or uprooting the tree. Every effort must be made by the landowner to ensure that the tree remains healthy and well looked after.
Especial care should be taken of any trees that are growing in hedgerows. These trees may appear to be part of the hedge, but should not be excessively trimmed, lopped or topped.
The tree, however, can be trimmed, if it is for the purpose of keeping the tree healthy or the trimming will have no impact on growth. For example, if a small branch was obscuring a window, you would be able to trim this back. Likewise, if a branch of the tree became diseased, you would be able to remove this branch. This is because doing so will ensure the tree’s health and public safety.
Still Unsure?
If you have any doubts about tree work taking place on TPO trees. We recommend that you contact an arboricultural specialist or tree surgeon, to complete a tree survey. This survey can then be submitted to your local planning authority. Once received the local authority will advise if any work on the tree has been authorised.
To find out more about how ProHort can help you, get in touch with us by calling 01782 479 479 or email us at [email protected].
What Soil Test Do I Need?
Have you found yourself asking, what soil test do I need? Soil tests are utilised in many ways, and there are a variety of different types of soil test available depending on what you need one for. Soil tests are predominantly used within three different contexts – for agricultural or horticultural works, on a construction site or in the case of waste removal.
Agricultural or Horticultural Soil Tests
In an agricultural or horticultural setting, a soil test is used to estimate the concentration of the nutrients in the ground. The composition and characteristics of the soil (such as its pH) and the fertility of the soil – which is the expected potential for growth.
A soil test will also identify whether there are any nutrient deficiencies or any contaminants in the soil. Such as lead, arsenic, barium, copper, lead, mercury and zinc.
By identifying these factors, the soil test results can be used to calculate the amount and type of fertiliser used on an agricultural site. As well as to help identify which crops would thrive in a particular garden.
Construction Related Soil Tests
A soil test can be used on a construction site to determine whether the soil can accommodate the construction project being undertaken. In this case, the density, strength, sand content, compaction, and organic content. Any contamination will be identified to assess how these factors may impact on the construction project. Results from the soil tests may also be used for reports that would support the development’s planning application.
There are two different approaches to soil tests on a construction site – in situ tests, which are conducted on the site itself, and laboratory tests. The in situ tests can be used to gather information on the properties and classification of the soil. Including the grain size, tip and shear resistance analysis, shear strengths and groundwater pressure. Alternatively, a laboratory test can examine the soil shrinkage, the soils suitability as a subgrade for a road, its hydraulic conductivity and the level of water content. The soils response to vertically applied pressure can also be tested, which is key when building foundations or basement rooms.
Waste Removal Soil Tests
Before waste soil can be taken to a landfill site, a number of tests must be carried out. These include the Waste Classification test, which identifies whether the soil is hazardous or non-hazardous. Following the completion of the Waste Classification test, the Waste Acceptance Criteria test must also be completed. A Waste Acceptance Criteria test determines whether the waste can be sent to a landfill that accepts inert waste, non-hazardous waste or whether it must go to a hazardous landfill site. You can find out more information about a Waste Acceptance Criteria test in our dedicated article.
Soil tests are incredibly useful in all sorts of contexts and can help to keep development projects running smoothly and ensure that gardens thrive.
ProHort Ltd provide a range of soil tests, depending upon your requirements. Why not find out more on our Soil Tests and Analysis page.
Can Tree Roots Affect Development?
In short – yes, tree roots can affect development.
How do tree roots affect development?
Tree roots affect development by causing disturbance in the soil, which can cause the soil to become structurally unsound. Any building work or development which takes place within the influence of a tree’s roots can cause damage to the tree or can lead to the development being structurally unsound.
How can I check for tree roots prior to development?
The influence of the tree’s roots can be calculated as part of a tree survey. This is done by examining the height of the tree and the crown spread which can then be used to calculate a Root Protection Area. The examination will show where the roots are most prevalent, and most likely to cause damage to buildings.
Veteran or ancient trees may have a larger than expected Root Protection Area, given their increased age and the increased complexity of their root systems.
What’s a tree survey?
Tree Surveys are a specialised survey that assess the size, age, health and life expectancy of a tree that has a diameter of over 75mm. They then provide recommendations on the further treatment of the tree and whether it should be retained or removed from a site. As part of our tree surveys, ProHort will map the Root Protection Area of any tree, as well as providing a recommendation for protective fencing. Do you have ancient trees, on your property? We can also identify them in your survey report. If we are surveying a group of trees, we will show the root protection zone and fencing in the clearest possible way, to ensure that you have the best plans possible in order to go ahead.
When looking to proceed with any development work, it is crucial that you ensure no roots lie under the proposed site. The safety of the site, and safety of your team depend on it.
The Environmental Bill for England, which is currently going through Parliament, will introduce a mandatory requirement of increasing biodiversity by a minimum of 10%. This is referred to as biodiversity net gain. Keeping in line with the Government’s aim to leave the environment in a better state than we originally found it.
As well as detailing how the net gain will be achieved. The biodiversity net gain plan will also need to include how the biodiversity value has been calculated. This value should be calculated using DEFRA’s Biodiversity Metric 2.0, and the estimated value upon completion will be compared to the original value of the site.
