Support

Representation ID: 22284

Received: 21/01/2022

Respondent: Miss Jodi Stokes

Provision, retention and protection of trees, woodlands, and hedgerows

9.4 Part 10 of draft Policy ENV4 (Provision, retention and protection of trees, woodlands, and hedgerows) requires that development should be designed around the need to incorporate trees already present on site, using sensitive and well-designed site layouts to maximise their retention. Part 13 goes on to require that new developments should make a minimum contribution of 20% canopy cover across the development site and a recommended contribution of 30% canopy cover across the development site. This reflects the requirements of paragraph 131 of the NPPF, which sets out that “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 longterm maintenance of newly-planted trees, and that existing trees are retained wherever possible”. We therefore agree that draft Policy ENV4 is reasonable, and would seek to meet this policy requirements at Highfields North.