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Policy DQ4: Trees and Development
   

All new development

1.  Proposals for new development should include appropriate planting of trees or other soft landscaping, the location and details of which should be determined as an integral part of the development, and which shall have regard to the character of the surrounding area.

Developments affecting existing trees

2.  Development proposals affecting existing trees, woodlands and other vegetation, which make a positive contribution to amenity, should make provision for their retention.

3.  Applicants for planning permission will be required to provide a detailed survey of all existing trees on the site and the likely effects on them of the proposed development, as outlined in the Council’s technical advice note “Trees and Development”.

4.  Where the Council accepts that tree loss will be unavoidable the applicant will be required to make adequate provision for their replacement, normally including two new trees for each tree lost. Replacement planting will take into account the number; size and species of trees lost and should contribute to the extension of tree and woodland cover across the Borough.

Links to the Mersey Forest Plan

5.  All new development should be consistent with the aims and objectives of the Mersey Forest Plan.

 

Explanation DQ4

11.27

Trees and woodlands are vital in maintaining and improving the quality of life for the inhabitants of Knowsley and can provide a natural measure with which to combat environmental problems such as air pollution, noise pollution and the risk of flooding. Within urban areas tree cover enhances urban amenity by providing a pleasant natural contrast to the built environment and within the countryside they make an important contribution towards the rural landscape.

11.28

The Borough currently has a tree coverage of approximately 6% of its total area. The Council will seek to protect and improve the amount, distribution and quality of Knowsley’s tree and woodland resource. In considering proposals for new development the Council will aim to ensure that where there are existing trees which are important to the amenity of the area, these will not be lost.  Where it is reasonable to do so, the Council will also seek to ensure that new development contributes to its aim of increasing tree coverage.

11.29

The Mersey Forest is a partnership between the Countryside Agency, Forestry Commission, and nine local authorities in Merseyside and North Cheshire (including Knowsley). The Mersey Forest Plan sets targets for increasing tree coverage and associated habitats across its area in both rural and urban localities. 

11.30

In considering planning applications the Council will be guided by

•  Its “Tree Policy”

•  Its technical advice note “Trees and Development”

•  The Mersey Forest Plan.

11.31

The Council will make Tree Preservation Orders where necessary to secure the protection and proper management of trees and woodlands for the long-term.

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