Comment

Representation ID: 21300

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: Owl Homes

Agent: Barton Willmore

Draft Policy ENV4 seeks to support and protect trees, woodland and hedgerow within the BCA. Whilst Owl Homes are supportive of the principle of the provision of new trees and the protection of existing ones, it is considered that the policy is too wordy, and goes beyond what is required by National Policy. Paragraph 131 of the NPPF sets out the planning policy expectations in relation to trees. This includes ensuring that trees are incorporated within developments, that measures are in place to secure the long-term maintenance of newly planted trees, and that trees are retained where possible. In light of the above, it is considered that the policy should be rationalised in order to be more clearly written and consistent with National Policy, and to serve a clear purpose.
As set out within the Vision Document at Appendix 2, and in line with the aspirations of this Policy, the proposed layout for the Site has been sensitively designed in order to retain the existing trees and hedgerow where possible. Further supporting information including a tree survey and Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA) will be undertaken to support the proposal, with appropriate mitigation where required.