Professional AIA Reports for Planning Applications

An Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA) is a key component of the BS5837 planning process and is often required by local authorities before approving development proposals where trees are present. This detailed report analyses how your planned works will affect the trees on or near your site and outlines the measures needed to protect them.

At Tree Survey Team, we specialise in delivering clear, comprehensive AIA reports that help you progress smoothly through planning. Our assessments provide planners and architects with essential insights, ensuring your development is both compliant and practical.

What Is an Arboricultural Impact Assessment?

An AIA is a technical document produced after a BS5837 Tree Survey. It builds on the tree data collected and evaluates the potential impacts of your proposed development. The aim is to identify conflicts, propose mitigation, and ensure trees are properly considered during the design stage.

An AIA typically includes:

  • Assessment of direct and indirect impacts on trees
  • Identification of trees to be retained, pruned, or removed
  • Evaluation of root protection areas (RPAs)
  • Predicted effects of construction activities
  • Recommended mitigation measures
  • Guidance for layout design around tree constraints

This assessment provides a clear overview of how your development interacts with the existing tree stock and what steps are needed to safeguard them.

Why Do You Need an AIA?

Local planning authorities often require an AIA when trees are present on or adjacent to a development site. Without it, your planning application may be delayed or rejected. The AIA gives decision-makers confidence that appropriate tree protection measures have been considered and incorporated into the design.

An AIA helps to:

  • Identify and manage risks to trees during development
  • Ensure compliance with BS5837:2012
  • Support planning applications with credible, evidence-based reporting
  • Provide architects with clear constraints and opportunities
  • Demonstrate responsible management of the natural environment

In short, an AIA ensures your project progresses smoothly, without unexpected tree-related objections.

What Our AIA Report Includes

At Tree Survey Team, we produce detailed and planning-ready AIA reports tailored to each site. Our approach combines arboricultural expertise with practical development understanding, ensuring the report is both technically accurate and useful for architects, builders, and planners.

Our AIA service covers:

  • Evaluation of Tree Constraints We assess tree positions, RPAs, canopy spreads, and condition to identify potential conflicts with your proposed layout.
  • Impact Analysis We consider all potential direct and indirect impacts, including excavation, foundations, changes in ground levels, compaction, and service installation.
  • Recommendations & Mitigation We provide practical, site-specific solutions such as protective fencing, no-dig construction zones, pruning requirements, and root-friendly building methods.
  • Integration with Planning Documents Our AIA is formatted to complement your Tree Constraints Plan, Tree Protection Plan, CAD drawings, and any Arboricultural Method Statement (AMS).
  • Guidance for On-Site Works Clear instructions ensure contractors understand how to avoid damaging retained trees.

Who Needs an Arboricultural Impact Assessment?

An AIA is commonly required for any development where retained trees may be affected. This applies to both small residential projects and large commercial schemes.

Typical situations requiring an AIA include:

  • New build housing
  • Extensions and home renovations
  • Commercial developments
  • Infrastructure projects
  • Demolition and redevelopment sites
  • Sites with protected trees (TPO or Conservation Area)

If your design interacts with the RPAs or canopies of nearby trees, you will almost certainly need an AIA.

Fast Turnaround & Fully Compliant Reports

We understand that planning delays can be costly. That’s why Tree Survey Team provides prompt site visits and rapid report delivery to keep your project moving forward. Our consultants are highly experienced and deliver reports that are clear, professional, and compliant with BS5837:2012.If you require wildflower and meadow management , get in touch with us today for a free consultation and a competitive quote.

With our service, you benefit from:

  • Fast, reliable scheduling
  • Quick turnaround on AIA reports
  • CAD-compatible plans
  • Clear and practical arboricultural recommendations
  • Direct communication with architects or planning officers where required
  • Competitive pricing

Our goal is to provide everything you need to secure planning approval without unnecessary disruption.

Why Choose Tree Survey Team for AIA Reports?

Whether you’re working on a small extension or a multi-unit development, choosing a knowledgeable arboricultural consultant can make a significant difference to your planning outcome. At Tree Survey Team, we deliver reports that are detailed, accurate, and tailored to your project’s needs.

Our strengths include:

  • Qualified and experienced arboricultural surveyors
  • Full BS5837:2012 compliance
  • Practical, development-focused solutions
  • Nationwide coverage
  • Support for architects, developers, and homeowners
  • Same-day quotes available

We’re committed to helping you achieve planning success through robust and reliable arboricultural reporting.

Get an AIA Report Quote

If you need an Arboricultural Impact Assessment for your development, we can help. Get in touch today for a fast, competitive quote.

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