Our Story
Joe's Blooms was founded in 2022 to help planning applicants comply with the new Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) regulations and improve biodiversity across England. That was our starting point. Since then, we’ve expanded into other areas of planning compliance, beginning with trees.
Trees are one of the most common reasons planning applications are delayed or rejected. Different Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) apply different rules for what counts as an “impacted” tree, and applicants often struggle to provide the right information in the right format.
Why this matters
UK law provides strong protections for trees. Those covered by a Tree Preservation Order or within a Conservation Area cannot be cut down or even pruned without written consent under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. Larger sites are also regulated under the Forestry Act 1967. In addition, removing trees during the nesting season can breach the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
Because of these rules, LPAs require tree information to be submitted clearly and consistently. Getting this wrong can lead to invalid applications, costly resubmissions, or even legal penalties.
Our mission
Just as we did with Biodiversity Net Gain, our aim with trees is to make compliance fast, accurate and affordable for applicants. By standardising the way tree data is recorded, we hope to reduce delays, avoid mistakes, and make the planning system simpler for everyone involved.
Please note that the Preliminary Tree Survey (PTS) Tool is not a substitute for a full arboricultural survey undertaken by a suitably qualified professional in accordance with BS 5837:2012 Trees in relation to design, demolition and construction – Recommendations. The PTS Tool is intended solely as a preliminary assessment tool to help applicants identify potential tree constraints at an early stage in the planning process.
The outputs generated by the tool are indicative only and should not be relied upon as definitive evidence of tree condition, value, or constraints. Where trees are subject to a Tree Preservation Order (TPO), located within a Conservation Area, or otherwise protected, or where development may have a material impact on existing trees, applicants are strongly advised to commission a full arboricultural survey and impact assessment.
Joe’s Blooms accepts no liability for any loss, damage, or planning refusal arising from reliance solely on the results of the PTS Tool. Responsibility for ensuring compliance with all relevant planning and tree protection requirements remains with the applicant.
Joe’s Blooms exists to take the complexity out of planning compliance – starting with biodiversity, and now expanding to trees.