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Matter for
Decision
The Strategy highlighted the value and role of tree management and tree
canopy cover within an urban forestry context. It provided the Council with a
strategic approach to the management of its tree assets for the period 2016 to
2026.
The strategy considered key national, regional as well as local
influences and gave clarity on the complexities of managing trees as
assets. By understanding these key
requirements, the Council could prioritise service needs, improvements and
investment.
Decision
of Executive Councillor for City Centre and Public Places
i.
Approved the Tree Strategy.
ii.
Instructed the Head of Streets and
Open Space to create an action plan on how to achieve the objectives, targets
and outcomes stated in the Officer’s report.
Reason for the Decision
As set out in the Officer’s report.
Any Alternative Options Considered and Rejected
Not applicable.
Scrutiny
Considerations
The Committee received a report from the Streets and Open Spaces Asset Manager.
The Committee made the following comments in response to the report:
i.
An action plan was needed to increase tree planting
in the city.
ii.
As many people as possible would be contacted to
invite them to respond to consultation exercises.
iii.
The consultation period took a long time to complete
in Conservation Areas. This could lead to conflict between different council
policies.
In response to Members’ questions the Streets and Open Spaces Asset Manager said the following:
i.
Amendments to text could be made out of cycle so a revised
document could be presented to committee in future.
ii.
A lot of data was based on aerial photographs. An
action plan could be developed in future based on this.
iii.
Planning policy sets out who should be contacted
for consultations. Generally there was low feedback from residents. The Council
went beyond the basic requirements of only contacting contiguous properties as
set out in planning policy.
iv.
The Council was tasked to undertake consultation
activity within 6 weeks in conservation areas.
In response to Members’ questions the Executive Councillor said the
following:
i.
Consultation contacts would be reviewed in future.
Various contacts were consulted depending on circumstances (eg planning
applications were treated differently to tree works).
ii.
The Council tried to consult as many people as
possible. Ward Councillors could act as a focal point for residents’
representations.
iii.
Undertook to liaise with Councillor Reid after the
meeting regarding possible changes to Tree Strategy wording.
The Committee unanimously resolved to endorse the recommendations.
The Executive Councillor approved the recommendations.
Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Executive Councillor (and any
Dispensations Granted)
No conflicts of interest
were declared by the Executive Councillor.