Paragraph 6 Hedgerows and treesI1

No construction or diversion of the authorised development, involving the felling or lopping of trees or shrubs authorised under article 32 (felling or lopping of trees, etc.), must commence until (in relation to the relevant works) a written hedgerow and tree management plan for the management of the removal and (where appropriate) reinstatement or protection of affected hedgerows and trees within the works limits has been approved, in writing, by the relevant planning authority.

The plan must identify root protection areas and construction exclusion zones and detail the methods of protection for hedges and trees. The plan must have regard to the standards contained in BS 5837:2012 (trees in relation to design, demolition and construction).

The plan must identify affected hedges where mitigation measures are to be taken and include information, where appropriate, on the protection of retained sections, the enhancement of species-poor hedgerows and a detailed reinstatement and after-care plan.

The plan must identify trees within and overhanging the construction area and provide a management and protection plan for those to be retained and a replanting plan for those to be removed.

The removal, protection and reinstatement of the hedgerows and trees must be carried out in accordance with the approved plan except to the extent that a variation to the plan is approved by the relevant planning authority in writing.

Hedges and trees must be reinstated in the first planting season following the completion of construction unless otherwise approved, in writing, by the relevant planning authority.

Any hedge or tree planting which is part of an approved reinstatement plan that, within a period of 5 years after planting, is removed, dies or (in the opinion of the relevant planning authority) becomes seriously damaged or diseased, must be replaced in the first available planting season with planting material of the same specification as that originally planted unless otherwise approved, in writing, by the relevant planning authority.

This Requirement does not apply to the cutting and lopping of trees and vegetation carried out in relation to the operation or maintenance of the authorised development.