42 — Trees, Woodland and Landscape.

The Council will require the protection of existing trees and the provision of new trees in accordance with London Plan Policy G7 (Trees and Woodlands), as well as shrubs, hedgerows and other vegetation of landscape significance that complement existing, or create new, high quality green elements, which deliver air quality, climate change, amenity and biodiversity benefits. To ensure development protects, respects, contributes to and enhances trees and landscapes, the Council, when assessing development proposals, will: Trees and Woodlands 1. resist the loss of trees, including aged or veteran trees, unless the tree is dead, dying or dangerous; or the tree is causing significant damage to adjacent structures; or the tree has little or no amenity value and it is not possible to retain the tree as part of the development; or felling is for reasons of good arboricultural practice; 2. resist development that would result in the loss or deterioration of irreplaceable habitat such as historic parkland; 3. require that site design or layout ensures a harmonious relationship between trees and their surroundings, and will resist development which will be likely to result in pressure to significantly prune or remove trees; 4. require all developments to minimise impacts on existing trees, hedges, shrubs and other significant vegetation on site and on adjoining land, and provide sufficient space for the crowns and root systems of existing and proposed trees and their future growth. Developments within proximity of existing trees are required to provide protection from any damage during development; 5. require, where practicable, an appropriate replacement for any tree that is felled; where this is not possible, a financial contribution to the provision for an off-site tree in line with the monetary value of the existing tree to be felled will be required in line with the 'Capital Asset Value for Amenity Trees' (CAVAT); 6. require new trees to be of a suitable species for the location in terms of height and root spread, taking account of space required for trees to mature; the use of native species as well as large-canopied species are encouraged where appropriate; 7. where appropriate and relevant, require the provision of large-canopied tree lined streets as set out in the NPPF; 8. require that trees are adequately protected throughout the course of development, in accordance with British Standard 5837 (Trees in relation to design, demolition and construction – Recommendations). Landscape 9. require the retention of important existing landscape features where practicable; Richmond upon Thames Local Plan Track Changes Version for Environment Committee Sept 10. require landscape design and materials to be of high quality and compatible with the surrounding landscape and character; and 11. require planting, including new trees, shrubs and other significant vegetation where appropriate, prioritising the use of appropriate native tree and shrub species to help support biodiversity and connect to the wider green infrastructure network. C. The Council will use Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) or attach planning conditions to protect any trees considered to be of value to the townscape and amenity in order to secure their retention. D. The Council will seek long-term maintenance and management plans to accompany tree and landscaping proposals where appropriate. 21.106 The abundance of trees is a great asset to this borough's unique environment. Trees as well as other significant vegetation and landscape are key components of the borough's ecological and green infrastructure network. They soften the hardness of buildings and streets, add life, colour and character to the urban landscape and enhance open spaces and the riverside. Trees and other planting, including contiguous gardens and green oases, deliver multiple benefits. They provide an important habitat for wildlife; help improve urban air quality by reducing levels of carbon dioxide and airborne pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide and harmful particulates (such as PM10's and PM2.5's); dampen noise from traffic and congestion; increase the supply of oxygen, provide shade for streets, open areas and parks as well as for buildings. They play an important part in supporting biodiversity by providing wildlife habitats and help deliver net gains for biodiversity by helping to restore, strengthen and create landscape-scale green infrastructure networks and help establish coherent ecological networks (strengthening wildlife and ecological corridors). 21.107 Trees and other landscape features can help areas to adapt to the effects of climate change, particularly due to their ability to capture and store atmospheric carbon dioxide, providing a cooling effect and contributing to the reduction of urban heat islands through shade cover and regulating local temperature extremes; this is important due to projected future increases in temperature as a result of climate change with more frequent and more pro-longed summer heatwaves and higher summer temperatures. In addition, they can assist in reducing surface water run off rates and flash floods during heavy rainfall events through absorption and infiltration. 21.108 The London Plan sets out the Mayor’s ambition to increase tree canopy in London by 10% by 2050. The Council’s Climate Emergency Strategy and Action Plan commit to increasing tree cover in the borough. Following an extensive survey of trees across the borough on highways, cemeteries, parks and open spaces and property owned by the Council, a programme of extensive planting is being undertaken, including replanting at sites where trees have been removed and where tree planting could mitigate the effects of climate change. There is further work planned to undertake a boroughwide tree assessment, and opportunities for tree planting in strategic locations; this includes identifying veteran and heritage trees that can be celebrated through the creation of educational material and walks. 21.109 Many trees in the borough are already protected by Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) or as a result of their location in Conservation Areas.The Council will consider making further TPOs where trees have been assessed to be of value to the townscape and amenity and which are threatened by development. 21.110 Existing trees, shrubs, and other important vegetation such as hedgerows contribute significantly to the Council’s wider biodiversity and their protection and enhancement will be important to achieve the Council’s policy to provide a net-gain in biodiversity. In line with Richmond upon Thames Local Plan Track Changes Version for Environment Committee Sep

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