New validation requirement released as part of Cornwall Council’s Climate Emergency Development Plan Document.
‘Cornwall Council Canopy Calculator now a validation requirement for all major development as part of Cornwall Council Climate Emergency DPD: Natural Climate Solutions. Where all major sites (10 units and above) will require demonstration of a minimum of 15% canopy cover after 25 years’
Applications will be required to:
- From the 15th of June 2023 canopy calculations are required. This is in addition to the existing requirements under Tree Survey.
- Proposed landscaping plan. A plan depicting canopy provision at year 25 post planting.
- Major applications must demonstrate the retention of existing and/or the establishment of new canopy coverage equal to at least 15% of the site area (excluding areas of the site that are priority habitat types).
- Any loss of canopy will require justification in accordance with the canopy mitigation hierarchy.
- Where there is a justification for less than 15% tree canopy on the site, this must be fully evidenced.
- Information setting out how the new canopy is sustainable (resilient to pest, diseases and climate change).
- Supporting form G3 from the Cornwall Council Planning Validation Guide sets out the existing and proposed canopy cover and justification if necessary.
Detail on the DPD can be found on our website:
Read more
Instructional videos and guidance can be found here:
Videos and guidance