Tree survey to support holiday pod development near Winchester

A BS5837 tree survey to support the installation of holiday pods at a rural site near Winchester, identifying proportionate mitigation to allow scheme to proceed with negligible impact on retained trees.

The project

The project involved a rural site on the outskirts of Crawley, near Winchester, and the proposal to install several holiday pods. The development layout brought new structures and access routes close to existing trees and woodland edges. As the works had the potential to affect retained trees and their roots, a tree survey and arboricultural assessment were required to inform the design and support the planning process.

Our role

Wessex Ecology undertook a BS5837-compliant tree survey and arboricultural impact assessment. This included surveying all trees likely to be affected by the proposed development, assigning retention categories, defining root protection areas, and assessing potential impacts arising from the layout. Mitigation measures were developed to reduce risks to retained trees and ensure compliance with arboricultural best practice.

Outcome

The assessment identified that the proposed layout had the potential to impact one group of retained trees and require the removal of a single tree. By adopting the recommended mitigation measures, including a specialist foundation design and replacement planting, the impact on retained trees was reduced to negligible. This approach allowed the project to move forward while protecting the long-term health and integrity of trees within the site.

Key facts

Location: Crawley, near Winchester, Hampshire

Sector: Rural development

Site type: Woodland-edge rural site

Services provided: Tree survey, arboricultural impact assessment, root protection area plan