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Tree Strategy

Meeting: 08/10/2015 - Community Services Scrutiny Committee (Item 47)

47 Tree Strategy pdf icon PDF 96 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

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.