The draft NPPF proposes to change the definition of Veteran Trees. Around 3 to 4 times as many trees may be covered by the new definition. A veteran tree with a diameter of 2 metres enjoys a protection zone around the trunk in a circle that measures 60 metres in diameter.

Plainly, this could present profound implications for some development proposals. Christopher Young KC and Jessica Allen are joined by leading Chartered Arboriculturalist Julian Forbes-Laird to discuss the issue and what developers and local authorities ought to be doing to investigate the implications for both allocated and unallocated development sites.

If there are potential implications, then LPAs and developers need to set out those implications in their responses to the consultation on the draft NPPF, which are due on 10th March.