Issue - meetings

Matter for Decision:

The Council had identified the need to increase the investment in tree planting as detailed in the Budget Setting Report for 2011/12, in which the Council approved a four-year planting programme totalling £200,000. Approval was needed to implement the programme.

Provisional tree planting opportunities for Years 1 to 4 had been identified and detailed by Officers.

The City Council’s Area Committees would be consulted on the proposals, and given the opportunity to decide, and approve planting schemes.

Decision of Exec Cllr for Arts, Sport and Public Places:

             I.      Approved the four-year planting schedule at paragraph 4.5 to 4.8 of the report.

          II.      Approved the list of proposed sites in each year.

       III.      Delegated the final decision on proposed planting schemes to the relevant Area Committee(s).

      IV.      Instructed Officers to pilot a Tree Warden Scheme in the City.

         V.      Instructed Officers to prepare a progress report for Spring 2013.

Reason for the Decision:

The City Council is one of the largest single owner of trees in Cambridge.  The Council owns trees on public land such as parks and play areas, and also in local nature reserves, cemeteries, allotments, and other Council premises including the riverbank. 

Trees are widely, and increasingly, recognised as an important contributor to people’s wellbeing and to the liveability of places, both in rural and urban contexts.  The City Council recognises the importance of managing and enhancing the City tree stock, to maximise these benefits and to ensure their continuance in the face of the threats that face trees now and in the coming years.

Any alternative options considered and rejected:

Not applicable

Scrutiny Considerations:

The committee received a report from the Green Spaces Manager, regarding the Tree Planting on City Parks and Open Spaces.

Members Suggested that consultation should be as wide as possible and not restricted to know interest groups. Concerns were raised regarding the sensitivity of tree issues in the City.

The officer confirmed that Area Committees would be able to adapt and amend the proposals. Councillor Cantrill stated his commitment to devolving local decisions down to Area Committees. It was hoped that involving the community would promote a feeling of ownership of the trees and safeguard their future.

The Scrutiny Committee considered and endorsed the recommendations in the report by 6 votes to 0.

The Executive Councillor for Arts, Sport and Public Places approved the recommendations.

Conflicts of interest declared by the Executive Councillor (and any dispensations granted)

N/A