Content

This decision is to agree the Tree Inspection
protocol for Cheltenham.  This is an
operational matter; however, given its borough wide coverage and
the extent of tree stock in the council’s ownership I am
making the decision to agree and publish this protocol in my role
as Cabinet Member for Planning and Building Control under which the
responsibility for the tree service sits.

Any future updates or reviews of this protocol will
be agreed under officer delegation via the relevant
Director.

To note, an updated Ash Die Back Management Plan
will be published alongside the Tree Management
protocol.
 

Reasons for the decision

The council for many years has had an informal
protocol setting out its approach to managing its tree stock, the
last time this was updated was 2021. This protocol has recently
been reviewed and will be published on the council’s website.
It is an operational document and replaces the 2021
version.  It has been updated
to:

1.       Reflect relevant
arboriculture guidance and best practice on the management and
maintenance of tree stock, and

2.       Take account that
Cheltenham Borough Council and Cheltenham Borough Homes, as of the
1st July 2024 became a single organisation.  This protocol covers all assets across Cheltenham
Borough Council ownership.
 

Alternative options considered

N/A.  Updating and
publishing the protocol is best practice.