Canopy Cover Assessment — Planning Applications & the New Draft BS5837
Urban Tree Management provides canopy cover assessments for planning applications across Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Cheshire, and the wider North West — using our own canopy cover model built to the methodology set out in the new draft BS5837. As canopy cover assessment moves towards becoming a standard requirement on all development sites
Urban Tree Management is already ahead of the curve — delivering canopy cover assessments as part of our BS5837 planning packages and as standalone assessments where specifically requested by the local planning authority.
What is a Canopy Cover Assessment?
A canopy cover assessment quantifies the existing tree canopy on a development site and models how that canopy will change over time — both with and without the proposed development. It shows the existing baseline canopy today, how retained trees are projected to grow over the next 10, 20, 30 years, the canopy lost through tree removals, the new canopy established through replacement planting, and the breakeven point at which new canopy growth equals and then exceeds canopy lost.
This gives planning officers a clear evidence-based picture of the long-term canopy trajectory of the site — moving the conversation away from the binary question of whether trees are being lost or retained.
When Do You Need One?
Canopy cover assessment is currently required where specifically requested by the local planning authority. Oxford City Council requires it as standard on applications involving tree loss, and an increasing number of authorities across England are requesting it ahead of the new draft BS5837 publication. Urban Tree Management recommends discussing canopy cover requirements with your LPA at pre-application stage — we are happy to advise before you commit to the cost.
Under the new draft BS5837 canopy cover assessment will become a standard requirement on all development sites. Urban Tree Management can deliver the assessment as part of your BS5837 planning package in the same site visit — at no additional mobilisation cost.
New Draft BS5837 — Canopy Cover Becoming Standard
Under the new draft BS5837 the Tree Constraints Plan will be replaced by the Arboricultural Constraints and Opportunities Plan — ACOP — which must illustrate projected future canopy growth. All Arboricultural Impact Reports will be required to demonstrate no net loss of canopy cover over a 30-year assessment period. Canopy cover assessment will be standard on every development site — not just where the LPA specifically requests it.
Urban Tree Management is already operating to this standard — our ACOP plans show projected canopy at 10, 20, 30 year horizons and our Arboricultural Impact Reports already incorporate the no net loss analysis the new standard requires. When the new draft is published our clients will not need to change anything — we are already there.
Canopy Cover Assessments & BS5837 Planning Packages — Greater Manchester, Lancashire & Cheshire
Whether your LPA has specifically requested a canopy cover assessment or you want to get ahead of the new draft BS5837 requirement, Urban Tree Management can deliver a fully integrated canopy cover assessment as part of your BS5837 planning package.
Get in contact with our highly experienced and personable team of arboriculturists today, to discuss your requirements and to obtain your zero obligation quotation.
