Arboriculture, Ecology and Biodiversity Net Gain Consultancy
Supporting Planning Applications for Developers and Homeowners
In today’s planning environment, trees, ecology and biodiversity are no longer secondary considerations, they are central to responsible development.
Whether you are a developer preparing a new housing scheme, a contractor working on a commercial site, or a private homeowner planning an extension, you may be required to provide professional surveys, reports and mitigation strategies before your planning application can be approved.
At Beechwood Trees and Landscapes Ltd, we provide a full range of consultancy services across arboriculture, ecology and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), helping clients navigate planning requirements efficiently and confidently.
This blog outlines the types of consultancy we offer, and explains what is typically required for planning, and how we can support you from start to finish.
Our Consultancy Services
Beechwood’s consultancy team provides technical support and professional reporting in three key areas:
Arboricultural Consultancy
Trees are often one of the first constraints considered by local planning authorities. Mature trees, tree preservation orders (TPOs) and woodland designations can all influence what can be built, and how.
We provide arboricultural surveys and reports including:
Tree Surveys (BS5837:2012)
Arboricultural Impact Assessments (AIA)
Tree Constraints Plans
Arboricultural Method Statements (AMS)
Tree Protection Plans (TPP)
Site supervision during development works
TPO applications and advice
Our role is to ensure development can progress while protecting valuable trees and satisfying planning requirements.
Ecological Consultancy
Ecology is now a standard consideration for most developments, regardless of size.
Habitats, nesting birds, bats and other protected species can trigger legal and planning obligations. Early ecological assessment prevents delays later in the process.
We support clients with:
Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEA)
Protected species surveys
Habitat surveys
Ecological impact assessments
Mitigation strategies and licence support
Construction Environmental Management Plans (CEMP-E)
By identifying ecological constraints early, we help avoid unexpected restrictions once work begins.
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Consultancy
With Biodiversity Net Gain now mandatory for most developments in England, developers must demonstrate measurable improvements to biodiversity as part of planning approval.
BNG requires clear evidence, calculation and long-term planning.
We assist with:
BNG baseline assessments
Biodiversity Metric calculations
Habitat enhancement proposals
Biodiversity Gain Plans
Offsetting strategy and land solutions
Delivery and long-term compliance support
For developers, getting BNG right is essential — not only for planning, but for future project viability.
Planning Applications: What Developers and Homeowners Need
The level of consultancy required depends on the scale of your project, but many developments, even small ones, now require technical input.
Below is a guide to what is typically expected.
For Developers and Commercial Projects
Planning authorities often request:
Arboricultural Reports
If trees are present on or near site boundaries, you may need:
BS5837 tree survey
Impact assessment
Protection and method statements
Ecological Surveys
Most sites require at minimum:
Preliminary Ecological Appraisal
Further protected species surveys if triggers are identified
Biodiversity Net Gain Documentation
For applicable developments, authorities will expect:
Biodiversity Metric assessment
Clear proposals to achieve at least 10% net gain
Habitat enhancement and long-term management plans
Failure to provide these early can lead to:
Planning delays
Redesign costs
Seasonal survey constraints
Legal compliance risks
For Private Householders
Many homeowners are surprised to learn that planning applications can require ecological or arboricultural support, especially where trees or wildlife are involved.
Common examples include:
Extensions near mature trees
Development in conservation areas
Tree works on protected trees
Garden developments affecting habitats
Demolition or loft conversions with bat risk
We regularly support householders with:
Tree reports for planning
TPO advice and applications
Bat and nesting bird assessments
Practical guidance to keep projects moving
Our approach is always proportionate, clear and focused on helping you achieve approval without unnecessary complexity.
How Beechwood Supports You
Beechwood offers a complete end-to-end consultancy service.
Our clients benefit from:
✅ Clear advice at the earliest stage
✅ Fast turnaround surveys and reporting
✅ Planning-compliant documents tailored to your site
✅ Practical solutions — not just constraints
✅ Integration with delivery teams if works are required
✅ Trusted support from a contractor with over 25 years’ experience
For developers, this means fewer delays and smoother approvals.
For homeowners, it means peace of mind and professional guidance through a process that can feel daunting.
Early Engagement Makes the Difference
The most successful projects are those where consultancy support is brought in early — before designs are finalised or planning is submitted.
Trees, ecology and biodiversity are easiest to manage proactively, and early surveys often prevent expensive redesigns later on.
If you are considering a planning application or development project, Beechwood can help ensure that your arboricultural and ecological requirements are addressed properly from the start.
Speak to Our Consultancy Team
If you are a developer, architect, contractor or homeowner and would like advice on planning requirements, surveys or Biodiversity Net Gain compliance, we would be pleased to support you.
Beechwood Trees and Landscapes Ltd
Professional Arboriculture, Ecology and BNG Consultancy
Nationwide Capability – Local Expertise
Get in touch today to discuss your site.
