Trees and the Public Realm - Westminster City Council

Appendix C - 2
Trees and the Public Realm (Draft)
These required minimums are very useful when planning the development of large sites, with new streets, but
Westminster has few areas where such development is likely to occur in the short or medium term. Many of
our existing streets were not designed to modern standards, and there is simply insufficient width to provide a
minimum of 2m clear for pedestrians. Nevertheless, this is our aim, balanced against the benefits of
providing street trees, in order to avoid not only inconvenience, but danger that can occur by encouraging
stepping into the carriageway.
Where this is not practical, we revert to The DfT’s Inclusive Mobility, which states:
“A clear width of 2m allows two wheelchairs to pass one another comfortably. This should be regarded
as the minimum under normal circumstances. Where this is not possible because of physical
constraints 1.5m could be regarded as the minimum acceptable under most circumstances, giving
sufficient space for a wheelchair user and a walker to pass one another. The absolute minimum, where
there is an obstacle, should be 1m clear space. The maximum length of restricted width should be 6
metres. If there are local restrictions or obstacles causing this sort of reduction in width they should be
grouped in a logical and regular pattern to assist visually impaired people.
It is also recommended that there should be minimum widths of 3m at bus stops and 3.5m to 4.5m by
shops though it is recognized that available space will not always be sufficient to achieve these
dimensions.”
Trees therefore will never be planted in the footway when the tree (taking account of any expected
incremental enlargement of the trunk) is likely to reduce pedestrian clearances to less than 1m. The tree pit
itself cannot be included in the measurement of clear width unless the surface is useable by a wheelchair. If
resin-bound aggregate is used as a pit surface, then it can be classed as clear width, otherwise the
measurement must be taken from the edge of the pit to the edge of the public highway (not necessarily the
building façade).
Trees should not obstruct pedestrian sightlines. In general driver sightlines also need to be maintained,
although avenue planting can be used as a tool to increase perceptions of speed and thereby limiting traffic
speeds.
New planting should consider the function of existing street furniture such as street lights and CCTV cameras,
as foliage can block lights and images. Tree planting should respect these primary functions, and where
street furniture cannot be relocated, the location of planting should be reconsidered.
Over the page are the arrangements found in typical streets in Westminster, and where trees could be
planted within them. Further detail can be found in the Westminster Way public realm manual.
When choosing a specific location in these streets an important consideration is how content the tree will be.
This includes how close to its natural proportions can it grow (it should be able to grow to at least look
‘natural’), and what will it contribute to, or harm, in the street scene when fully grown, for example shade,
pedestrian impediment, colour, obstruction of views or important buildings, or habitat for particular fauna.
The ability of the tree to co-exist alongside services is a crucial factor. The size of the space available above
and below ground will be a key factor in species choice. Pit dimensions should provide the tree with as
much space to become established as far as is possible and practical given its location. New planting
techniques have been developed to assist street tree planting where there are space limitations, as is the
case in much of Westminster. Such techniques include the use of root barriers, or specially formulated
topsoil allowing the creation of larger planting pits, essential for the planting of what could become a
characterful tree. Detailed advice on this issue is contained in Tree Roots in the Built Environment (June 2006 -
References in Appendix H).