Arboricultural Implications Assessment, Relating to the Site for Proposed Community Centre, Fontley Road,  Titchfield, Hampshire,  PO15 6QR

The Arboricultural Implications Assessment  ( AIA)

A consequence of the development of the Community Centre at Fontley Road will be the removal of tree numbers 4 and 8. The loss of these trees is not substantial as they are both poor specimens with relatively short useful lives. They can be more than adequately replaced by the new planting which is proposed as part of the redevelopment process.

There will also be some minor losses of vegetation at the site entrance as the access to the site will need to be widened and formalised and the sight lines should be improved. These losses will be fairly insignificant.

We are not aware of any relevant Tree Preservation Orders and do not believe that the site is within a Conservation Area. Although we have not checked this detail with the Local Authority and for completeness we would suggest that that task is undertaken before the commencement of any tree works. The removal of tree numbers 4 and 8 will not require a felling licence.

If not already dealt with the following need to be considered:

1)  Will the new development significantly affect the amenity value of the retained trees? It is our view that it will not do so.

2)  The above and below ground constraints. See RPA and TCP above where these matters are fully considered.

3)      The type and nature of the construction of the new development has been discussed with the Architects. We have been fully appraised of the type and process of construction. The new build is in the centre of the site and should not conflict at all with the retained trees which are all on the boundaries of the site.

4)   The infrastructure requirements. We have seen appropriately detailed drawings relating to these matters which confirm that the infrastructure requirements of the new build will not cause any significant ground disturbance close to the retained trees. The service and drainage routes will utilise the pre-existing corridors.

5)  Minor access facilitation pruning may be required to the Silver Birch in the grounds of the bungalow at the entrance to the site. This will not be substantial and in any event we have recommended that this Silver Birch be removed as it is damaging the adjacent retaining wall. It is recommended that any such tree work be undertaken by a suitably trained, experienced and approved Arboricultural contractor.

6)   We have already assessed the probable impact the new development will have on the trees and vice versa, and have taken into account the characteristics and the condition of the trees and whether or not their future growth will cause problems.  We believe it will not do so.

7)      Leaf fall from trees may have the potential to block gutters however the retained trees are unlikely to cause a problem as they are a substantial distance away from the site of the new building.  

On the proviso that our recommendations are followed to the letter we believe that the trees specified for retention at Community Centre site at Fontley Road can be successfully retained during the redevelopment process and that they will not be unduly compromised by virtue of that redevelopment process.