Tree Survey for Planning – Park Hill Flats, Sheffield

Do You Need a Tree Survey for Planning in Sheffield?

Yes – a BS5837 tree survey is a key requirement for planning applications in Sheffield, especially on complex urban sites like Park Hill.

Read on to find out how our arboricultural consultants supported this landmark regeneration project with detailed tree survey work.

Overview: AWA’s Role in the Regeneration of Park Hill

AWA Tree Consultants have worked throughout the multi-phase regeneration of Park Hill, Sheffield’s landmark brutalist estate. Most recently, we supported Phase 4, helping secure planning permission for a new student accommodation scheme involving 330 homes, as covered by the BBC.

Built between 1957–1961, Park Hill is the largest listed building in Europe, and one of the UK’s most significant pieces of post-war architecture. Though once neglected and associated with decline, it is now being transformed into a vibrant urban neighbourhood – blending modern design, social housing, and green infrastructure.

Our involvement has included BS5837 tree surveys, arboricultural impact assessments, and ongoing tree management strategies that ensure the site’s green assets are retained and enhanced throughout each development phase.

Why a Tree Survey Was Needed

As part of the planning process for this later development phase, AWA Tree Consultants were appointed to conduct a BS5837 tree survey. Our role was to:

• Map and assess all on-site trees
• Evaluate tree health, structural condition, and constraints
• Provide guidance for tree retention, protection, and planting

While the site contained no ancient or veteran trees, the existing trees provided substantial landscape and visual amenity value — a critical component for planners and developers aiming to blend new structures with Sheffield’s green infrastructure.

How Trees Enhance a Brutalist Landmark

Park Hill’s bold, brutalist concrete forms dominate the skyline, yet the surrounding trees offer natural contrast — softening the hard lines and framing the flats from below. In courtyard areas, trees create dramatic visual corridors that connect architecture with the surrounding environment.

Our survey demonstrated how these relatively young trees would gain even more importance as the regeneration completes — not only enhancing biodiversity but also enriching the sense of place for future residents.

Planning Outcomes

Thanks to our detailed arboricultural report and planning guidance:

• Valuable trees were identified and retained
• A management plan was created to enhance long-term tree quality
• Recommendations informed landscape design and urban greening efforts

The integration of urban greenery at Park Hill demonstrates how tree surveys can shape sustainable, liveable spaces — even in dense, historic settings.

Final Thoughts

From planning support to tree protection plans, our arboricultural consultants in Sheffield play a crucial role in enabling development while preserving urban green space.

👉 Learn more about our BS5837 tree surveys for planning
👉 Contact our Sheffield team for advice on your project