Policy BG/TC: Improving Tree Canopy Cover and the Tree Population

National planning policy and guidance recognises the many benefits provided by trees, including encouraging walking and enhanced physical and mental health; contributing to local environmental character and distinctiveness; providing habitats for wildlife; supporting sustainable drainage; mitigating climate change by storing carbon dioxide; and reducing noise and excessive heat in urban areas. Further to this, proposed changes to the National Planning Policy Framework will see authorities required to make new streets tree-lined. Government has also recently launched the England Trees Action Plan 2021-24. At an 

An area covering Oxford, Milton Keynes and Cambridge, identified by the Government as a unique opportunity to become an economic asset of international standing.

level we have signed up to the aim of increasing tree and woodland cover across the Arc from 7.4% to 19%. 

Tree canopy cover is the name given to the layer of leaves and branches that cover the ground. It is measured as a percentage of the total area. Large-canopied tree species provide a wider range of benefits because of the larger surface area of their canopy. Which is why supporting an increase in canopy cover rather than just an increase in the number of trees is a priority. 

The tree population or treescape includes the variety of species, ages and distribution of trees within an area. The greater the variety and distribution, the greater the biodiversity value and resilience of the tree population. 

Locally, low tree and tree canopy cover is recognised as a weakness within the ecological network of

The combined areas of Cambridge District and South Cambridgeshire District Councils.

, both in the rural agricultural areas typified by large open fields lacking boundary features, and in more urban areas which pre-date the current requirements for ecological enhancement above no net loss. To address these challenges, the Cambridge City Council Citywide Tree Strategy 2016-26 Canopy Cover Project seeks to support Cambridge City Council’s aim of achieving 19% tree cover by the 2050s; South Cambridgeshire also has identified a priority of increasing tree canopy cover in it is Doubling Nature Strategy.  

In response to the above context, this policy seeks to ensure that development proposals increase tree canopy cover, enhance treescape, and protect existing trees of value. Where tree retention or planting is proposed in conjunction with new developments, the objective should be to achieve a harmonious relationship between trees and structures that can be sustained in the long term. The constraints imposed by trees, both above and below ground should be considered at the outset as they will inform site layout.  

We recognise that in some instances felling of existing trees or hedgerows may be necessary to meet wider placemaking objectives. In such cases the policy will require replacement planting. 

Hedgerows are also important biodiversity, cultural and archaeological features in South Cambridgeshire in particular, noting our relative lack of tree canopy cover, and it is important to retain and protect both hedgerows themselves and the surrounding space which supports their flourishing (known as terroir).  

Groupings of trees in woodland multiply the benefits provided by individual trees. We want to encourage the provision of additional broad-leaved woodland in appropriate locations, which could be provided at a range of scales and in different contexts, including for example micro-woods, tree belts, orchards and woodland. 

Feedback to the First Conversation consultation relevant to trees and hedgerows included comments supporting the protection of existing trees, noting their varied benefits, and also supporting the planting of new trees and woodlands in appropriate locations. Comments noted that a strategic approach should be taken to tree and hedgerow provision, noting that it is not just about the number of trees. Some comments raised the importance of balancing the priority for tree planting alongside other priorities such as the need for housing and employment, and also landscape impacts. 

1. Rely on national policy - This alternative is not the preferred approach as it would not provide protection for trees of amenity or other value that are not part of ancient woodland or having Tree Protection Order status.

2. Set a specific requirement for tree canopy cover in new development.  - This alternative is not the preferred approach as high canopy cover requirements could mean that woodland would dominate a development site’s landscape and biodiversity provision, at the expense of a more biodiverse mix of habitats and landscapes.

• The combined areas of Cambridge District and South Cambridgeshire District Councils.

  Short form for the Greater Cambridge Local Plan, which sets out policies to guide the future development of Greater Cambridge. It also sets out where future development will take place, and identifies land for new housing, community facilities, shops and employment. It is the key document use to determine planning applications for new development in the Greater Cambridge area.

  : Topic paper 3:

  The variety of life in all its forms. This includes the plant and animal species that make up our wildlife and the habitats in which they live.

  and Green Spaces  

• Greater Cambridge Green Infrastructure Opportunity Mapping Baseline Report (2020) 

• The combined areas of Cambridge District and South Cambridgeshire District Councils.

  Green Infrastructure is a multi-functional network of public green spaces and routes, landscapes, biodiversity and heritage. It includes a wide range of elements such as country parks, wildlife habitats, rights of way, commons and greens, nature reserves, waterways and bodies of water, and historic landscapes and monuments.

  Opportunity Mapping Final Report (2021) 

South Cambridgeshire

Short form for the Greater Cambridge Local Plan, which sets out policies to guide the future development of Greater Cambridge. It also sets out where future development will take place, and identifies land for new housing, community facilities, shops and employment. It is the key document use to determine planning applications for new development in the Greater Cambridge area.

2018 

• Policy NH/7 Ancient Woodlands and Veteran Trees 

Cambridge

Short form for the Greater Cambridge Local Plan, which sets out policies to guide the future development of Greater Cambridge. It also sets out where future development will take place, and identifies land for new housing, community facilities, shops and employment. It is the key document use to determine planning applications for new development in the Greater Cambridge area.

2018 

• Policy 71: Trees 

Our consultation for this phase is now closed.