Content

RESOLVED
 
KEY DECISION

That the Executive:
 

i)       
Approved the Tree Management
Policy as shown at Appendix A
to the report

 

ii)     
Delegated authority to the
Assistant Director of Assets and Environment, in consultation with
the Executive Member for Assets, Waste and Environment to make any
amendments required prior to publication
 

 

Reason for Recommendations –
The policy will ensure the Council applies consistent approaches to
tree management across its vast and diverse tree stock. The policy
provides a clear statement to residents of how the Council will
manage its trees and a sound, consistent and reasoned basis for
Officers to respond to queries. The policy supports the
Council’s key commitments to a greener, sustainable
environment and the Council’s obligations under the
Environment Act 2021, which includes provisions to strengthen and
improve the duty on public bodies to conserve and enhance
biodiversity. The policy recognises the importance of the LNRS and
compliments key components of this strategy. The previous
iteration, known as the Tree Management and Care Policy provides a
strategic framework focused on harmonising standards from the
previous sovereign authorities. The Tree Management Policy,
Appendix
A, introduces a detailed
operational approach with comprehensive risk management procedures,
inspection regimes, and technical pruning standards. This policy
places greater emphasis on legal compliance, biosecurity, and
structured maintenance cycles, replacing the broader
principle-based document.

 

Alternative Options Considered
– To undertake tree management in accordance with the current
Tree Management & Care Policy which, whilst providing guidance
and prescriptions for tree management, is not conducive with a One
Council approach to service provision nor has it been reviewed and
updated since inception.