About this page
How this part of the Local Plan Options Document works
These Development Management policy option pages contain the following sections:
Policy background
- Relevant national policy or regulations
- National or regional trends
- Local situation and needs/li>
- How we have dealt with this issue in the past
- The thinking behind the policy
Policy options for the new Local Plan
We may suggest a variety of approaches:
- Keeping existing policy as it is
- Making small changes
- Replacing the policy with something that is substantially different
- Identifying factors or events which may affect this policy in the future
Policy option analysis
- A list of the advantages and disadvantages that we have identified for each of the policy options we are presenting.
Read the Natural Environment Topic Paper, for in-depth focus about this topic, and the evidence which informs our policy. Visit our library of Local Plan Options supporting documents to learn more.
Explore the policy
Select a section below to read more.
9.211 The NPPF highlights trees make an important contribution to the character and quality of urban environments and can also help mitigate and adapt to climate change. Paragraph 136 of the NPPF notes the following regarding trees:
9.212 ‘Trees make an important contribution to the character and quality of urban environments, and can also help mitigate and adapt to climate change. Planning policies and decisions should ensure that new streets are tree-lined, that opportunities are taken to incorporate trees elsewhere in developments (such as parks and community orchards), that appropriate measures are in place to secure the long-term maintenance of newly-planted trees, and that existing trees are retained wherever possible. Applicants and local planning authorities should work with highways officers and tree officers to ensure that the right trees are planted in the right places, and solutions are found that are compatible with highways standards and the needs of different users.’
9.213 Placemaking Plan Policy NE6 seeks to protect the District's trees and woodland from the adverse impact of development by setting out criteria against which proposals will be assessed. The policy also seeks the appropriate retention and new planting of trees and woodlands. The policy had been updated as part of the Local Plan Partial Update to cover when development proposals may directly or indirectly affect veteran trees.
9.214 Placemaking Plan policy D4 requires, amongst other things, for development to be well connected and when proposed, street trees and green spaces should contribute to a network of GI and should be adequately sited to promote connectivity for people and wildlife. Further details on this policy are covered under the Heritage and Design section.
9.215 The detailed background and evidence relating to the following options is set out in the Natural Environment Topic Paper.
9.216 Trees are an important part of our natural life support system: they have a vital role to play not just in the sustainability of our urban and rural areas, but as an important component of green infrastructure networks. The NPPF requires authorities to make new streets tree-lined. Natural England (NE) have released a tool to help towns and cities turn greener. A standard within the tool promotes an increase in tree canopy cover in urban environments. In addition to these requirements emphasise should also be placed on the need to apply the ‘right tree, right place’ principle as set out within the ‘Urban Tree Manual’ developed by the Forest Research Policy & Advice Team. The following options are proposed in relation to policy NE6:
Option A
Rely on the existing policy approach supplemented by national planning policy.
Advantages of Option A
- As identified changes to the NPPF are not currently addressed by existing policy there would be limited benefit to keeping local policy in its current form.
Disadvantages of Option A
- Will not take account of most current up to date local requirements.
Option B
Amend the existing policy to avoid crossover with other policy, to include a requirement for new street lined trees, a locally agreed tree canopy cover target, and incorporate the ‘right tree, right place’ principle.
Advantages of Option B
- Will take account of most current and up to date guidance set out within the NPPF and NE GI Framework. A target for the GI Framework Standard 5: Urban tree canopy cover will be identified in the revised GI Strategy.
- AThe option will assist in developments becoming climate-resilient, improve residents’ wellbeing, and benefit nature.
Disadvantages of Option B
- The approach taken forward will be subject to viability testing as the Draft Local Plan is prepared. A risk this policy option may not be viable and won’t be included in the Draft Plan. This option may require weighing up or balancing benefits against other spatial priorities i.e., amount / type of housing provided on site.
- The NE Urban Tree Canopy Cover Standard does not cover the establishment of new trees. There is a need to ensure trees are successfully established through an initial maintenance period once planted.
Discussion questions
Question 1
Which of the policy Options A or B do you prefer? Please say why
Question 2
Are there any approaches which can be taken to ensure the policy can better reflect the Council’s Corporate priorities?