BI2Implement and update tree replacement policies and strategies in the Partial Local Plan Update

Trees are of great amenity and are important features of the town's landscape, providing aesthetic value alongside social and environmental benefits such as improved air quality, biodiversity, carbon sequestration and the provision of shade for our local community. Trees and woodland can also help Stevenage adapt to the impacts of climate change, including increasing temperatures and surface water flooding. To learn more about the benefits of urban trees, please see the 'read more' section below.

The  Stevenage Borough Local Plan Partial Update 2026 looked at strengthen the protection of trees and woodland through two proposed policies:

Policy NH5a – Trees and Woodland requires existing trees to be protected, retained and incorporated into developments wherever possible. Where tree removal is unavoidable, appropriate replacement planting should be provided, taking into account the quality, value and contribution of the trees being lost. Development affecting trees or woodland may also require an arboricultural assessment to ensure that potential impacts are properly considered.

Policy NH5b – Tree-lined Streets supports the creation of tree-lined streets as part of new development. New streets are expected to be tree-lined unless there are clear, justifiable and compelling reasons why this would be inappropriate. Tree planting should be carefully designed to provide sufficient space for trees to establish and grow, while supporting biodiversity, providing shade and avoiding conflicts with walking and cycling routes.

The proposed policies were examined by an independent Planning Inspector in December 2025, and this resulted in them not being found sound. The Inspector concluded that Policies NH5a as amended by the Partial Update Plan and new policy NH5b did not clearly distinguish between different categories of trees and woodland, did not sufficiently explain how replacement ratios and management expectations should be applied in practice, and did not adequately set out where flexibility may be appropriate. Therefore, these were not implemented into the 2026 Local Plan Partial Update due to the original policy being fit for purpose in the current planning system. All details are within the  Inspector’s report, paragraphs 98 and 99.

The Council will reflect on the conclusions from the Planning Inspector, and it will continue its work on trees within the borough and the evidence required for a new Local Plan.

Note: Please refer to the Stevenage Borough Local Plan Partial Update (2026) for the most accurate and up-to-date description of the relevant planning policies and requirements.