Final Draft Local List Supplementary Planning Document
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Final Draft Local List Supplementary Planning Document
1. Introduction
Representation ID: 933
Received: 20/05/2026
Respondent: Mersey Forest
Whist this SPD is about local built heritage assets, we think similar consideration should be given towards our natural heritage, and trees in particular. These also have importance even when not statutorily designated. The recent Sycamore Gap tree felling demonstrates how important non-designated trees can be in the public psyche. Please see the 2024 report about protecting locally ‘important trees’ by the Tree Council and Forest Research (https://treecouncil.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Protecting-Trees-of-High-Social-Cultural-and-Environmental-Value_Final-Report_October-2024_v3.0-APRIL-2025.pdf). This refers to ‘important trees’ as “a vital part of our natural heritage and… a precious living legacy to be passed between generations.”
Whist this SPD is about local built heritage assets, we think similar consideration should be given towards our natural heritage, and trees in particular. These also have importance even when not statutorily designated. The recent Sycamore Gap tree felling demonstrates how important non-designated trees can be in the public psyche. Please see the 2024 report about protecting locally ‘important trees’ by the Tree Council and Forest Research (https://treecouncil.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Protecting-Trees-of-High-Social-Cultural-and-Environmental-Value_Final-Report_October-2024_v3.0-APRIL-2025.pdf). This refers to ‘important trees’ as “a vital part of our natural heritage and… a precious living legacy to be passed between generations.”
Comment
Final Draft Local List Supplementary Planning Document
2. What Are Heritage Assets?
Representation ID: 938
Received: 20/05/2026
Respondent: Mersey Forest
Ancient woods and ‘important trees’ are heritage assets. “They can be iconic features of the landscape, connected to people, history, places and communities, and crucial habitats for wildlife... Despite their exceptional – and often irreplaceable – characteristics and value, ‘important trees’ have been, and continue to be, lost and damaged. This research… explores ways to better protect and manage these trees and… shape future policy development.” ‘Important trees’ can encompass trees classified under existing terminology, such as ancient, veteran, heritage, champion and notable trees, and trees that do not fit within these classifications and are highly valued for other reasons.
Ancient woods and ‘important trees’ are heritage assets. “They can be iconic features of the landscape, connected to people, history, places and communities, and crucial habitats for wildlife... Despite their exceptional – and often irreplaceable – characteristics and value, ‘important trees’ have been, and continue to be, lost and damaged. This research… explores ways to better protect and manage these trees and… shape future policy development.” ‘Important trees’ can encompass trees classified under existing terminology, such as ancient, veteran, heritage, champion and notable trees, and trees that do not fit within these classifications and are highly valued for other reasons.
Comment
Final Draft Local List Supplementary Planning Document
3. What is a Local List?
Representation ID: 948
Received: 21/05/2026
Respondent: Mersey Forest
The local list could include important trees, including: ancient woodlands (https://naturalengland-defra.opendata.arcgis.com/datasets/a14064ca50e242c4a92d020764a6d9df_0/about), ancient, veteran and notable trees from Woodland Trust’s Ancient Tree Inventory (https://ati.woodlandtrust.org.uk/), trees with Tree Preservation Orders. Further notable trees could be identified with a tree mapping exercise such as Tree Story in Liverpool City Region (https://treestory.me/) which received a Merseyside Civic Society Award in 2024 (https://www.merseysidecivicsociety.org/celebrating-public-art-and-heritage-interpretation/). The Mersey Forest is hoping to expand this shortly into Cheshire.
The local list could include important trees, including: ancient woodlands (https://naturalengland-defra.opendata.arcgis.com/datasets/a14064ca50e242c4a92d020764a6d9df_0/about), ancient, veteran and notable trees from Woodland Trust’s Ancient Tree Inventory (https://ati.woodlandtrust.org.uk/), trees with Tree Preservation Orders. Further notable trees could be identified with a tree mapping exercise such as Tree Story in Liverpool City Region (https://treestory.me/) which received a Merseyside Civic Society Award in 2024 (https://www.merseysidecivicsociety.org/celebrating-public-art-and-heritage-interpretation/). The Mersey Forest is hoping to expand this shortly into Cheshire.
Comment
Final Draft Local List Supplementary Planning Document
5. Planning Policy Context
Representation ID: 949
Received: 21/05/2026
Respondent: Mersey Forest
NPPF states development resulting in loss/deterioration of irreplaceable habitats (e.g. ancient woodland and ancient/veteran trees) should be refused, unless exceptional reasons and suitable compensation strategy exists.
Statutory BNG requirement of 10% doesn’t apply for developments with loss of ‘irreplaceable habitat’, as considered unachievable.
BNG Regulations list irreplaceable habitat. Deterioration/loss should be avoided and only permitted in exceptional circumstances. Special compensation rules apply if deterioration/loss unavoidable.
Cheshire East is in The Mersey Forest partnership, whose strategic plan (https://merseyforest.org.uk/our-plan/) includes a principle to “nurture a culture of trees, woods, and other habitats”. Integrating trees into heritage decisions is part of this culture.
NPPF states development resulting in loss/deterioration of irreplaceable habitats (e.g. ancient woodland and ancient/veteran trees) should be refused, unless exceptional reasons and suitable compensation strategy exists.
Statutory BNG requirement of 10% doesn’t apply for developments with loss of ‘irreplaceable habitat’, as considered unachievable.
BNG Regulations list irreplaceable habitat. Deterioration/loss should be avoided and only permitted in exceptional circumstances. Special compensation rules apply if deterioration/loss unavoidable.
Cheshire East is in The Mersey Forest partnership, whose strategic plan (https://merseyforest.org.uk/our-plan/) includes a principle to “nurture a culture of trees, woods, and other habitats”. Integrating trees into heritage decisions is part of this culture.
Comment
Final Draft Local List Supplementary Planning Document
6. Guidance on Works to Locally Listed Buildings
Representation ID: 950
Received: 21/05/2026
Respondent: Mersey Forest
Boundary details should also refer to trees, hedges, and open green spaces that form part of the historic character and wider streetscape.
Boundary details should also refer to trees, hedges, and open green spaces that form part of the historic character and wider streetscape.
Comment
Final Draft Local List Supplementary Planning Document
8. Local List Entry
Representation ID: 951
Received: 21/05/2026
Respondent: Mersey Forest
We welcome that there is a “historic designed landscape” category. But given our comments above, we would also encourage you to have a broader natural heritage/ tree heritage category. These do not need to have been designed to form part of our heritage. The “public realm” category could also include important trees.
We welcome that there is a “historic designed landscape” category. But given our comments above, we would also encourage you to have a broader natural heritage/ tree heritage category. These do not need to have been designed to form part of our heritage. The “public realm” category could also include important trees.
