Development Feasibility Studies for Trees & Planning
Development feasibility studies are essential for developers, land agents, and architects considering sites where trees are present. Commissioned before land purchase or at the earliest stage of design, a tree feasibility assessment identifies arboricultural constraints and opportunities on your site — saving significant time, cost, and risk of planning refusal later.
Urban Tree Management provides tree feasibility studies across Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Cheshire, and the wider North West.
Feasibility Tree Assessments
A BS5837:2012 compliant tree survey is the essential first step for any site where trees may influence development. Information gathered during the survey is used to produce a Tree Constraints Plan and provide developers with clear, early advice on arboricultural conflicts before design work begins.
Following the initial survey, a full feasibility study assesses the realistic development potential of the site — including a tree valuation, an estimate of tree work costs, and a clear picture of which trees are likely to require retention or protection. This allows Urban Tree Management to work with your design team to create a site layout that maximises developable area without triggering unnecessary tree removals, significantly improving your chances of securing planning permission first time and without onerous conditions.
The feasibility survey records tree heights, root protection areas, and crown spreads measured at the four cardinal points for accurate plotting on your Tree Constraints Plan. All trees are classified as Category A, B, C, or R in line with BS5837:2012, clearly identifying those of highest amenity value and those most deserving of retention. The survey also identifies any immediate health and safety tree work required on site.
What You Receive
- Initial tree survey report compliant with BS5837:2012
- Tree Constraints Plan showing RPAs, crown spreads, and tree categories
- Site appraisal with development potential assessment
- Tree valuation and estimated tree work costs
- Advice on trees suitable for retention, removal, or relocation
- Drone imagery and aerial site mapping (if requested)
- Written recommendations for early design integration
New Draft BS5837 & Feasibility
The new draft BS5837 places greater emphasis on early arboricultural involvement in the design process — with the ACOP replacing the Tree Constraints Plan and requiring canopy cover projections from the outset. Early feasibility advice from Urban Tree Management ensures your scheme is designed around the new draft standard from day one — avoiding costly redesign after planning submission.
BS5837 Tree Surveys &
Feasibility Studies
If you need a professional tree survey to support your planning application, get in touch and we’ll send a free quote within 24 hours