We note the requirement in point f) for tree retention and additional planting. We welcome the recommendation for native species and suggest adding wording on sourcing .
f) Ensure that the existing trees on site are retained where possible and opportunities are taken to provide additional planting to enhance the landscape structure of the site and the outlook of the residents. Replacement planting will be needed in relation to any trees which are removed (utilising appropriate native species from UK-sourced and grown stock) at a level that will replace the canopy cover lost;
Specifying native species from UK sourced & grown tree stock will help address threats of pests & disease and help boost resilience and biosecurity as well as supporting the domestic "green economy" and reducing the carbon footprint of the supply chain.
We recommend that where there is an unavoidable loss of trees on site, that an appropriate number of suitable replacement trees will be required to be planted, based on maintaining the existing tree canopy cover, therefore likely to be on a greater than 1:1 basis where mature trees are lost. Such a requirement will also support the delivery of biodiversity net gain. A proposed ratio of tree replacement can be found in the Woodland Trust guidance on Local Authority Tree Strategies (July 2016).
We recommend that similar wording be applied to all site allocation policies in line with policy DES2 and para 11.19.