Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: December 10, 2025

Purpose:

Content: 13.1 The Executive Director Neighbourhood Services submitted a report providing the Committee with an update on work carried out by a task and finish group to develop wording and design and commission the manufacture of a plaque to acknowledge the significance of the Street Trees Campaign and the wrongs committed by the Council in Sheffield.     13.2 RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That Strategy and Resources Policy Committee:-       (a) note at the Extraordinary Meeting (EGM) on 10th May 2023 the Council passed a motion requesting the Committee install a plaque in the entrance of the Town Hall;   (b) note and thank the action taken by the Task and Finish group to agree the wording to be used on the Street Tree Campaign Plaque (“the Plaque”) and endorse the wording recommended;   (c) note the action taken by the Task and Finish group to commission the design of the Plaque and endorse the design recommended;   (d) note the action taken to commission the manufacture of the Plaque and approve the recommended manufacturer; and   (e) note that as the Town Hall is Grade I Listed the installation and location of the Plaque will be subject to obtaining any necessary planning consents.     13.3 Reasons for Decision     13.3.1 The recommendations in this report are made to recognise the significant contribution of campaigners, residents, and community partners in protecting Sheffield’s street trees. The installation of the Street Tree Campaign Plaque at the Town Hall serves as a lasting public acknowledgement of environmental lobbying, activism, community engagement, and the lessons learned from past Council actions.     13.3.2 The decision directly supports the Council Plan outcomes by fostering community pride, promoting inclusion, and enhancing Sheffield’s cultural and environmental landscape. The collaborative development process, involving a diverse group of stakeholders, ensures the Plaque authentically reflects the values and aspirations of the city’s communities. This approach aligns with the Council’s commitment to transparency, partnership working, and continuous improvement.     13.4 Alternatives Considered and Rejected     13.4.1 This process for the design and wording of the Plaque is an alternative to the original plan of Sheffield City Council developing the plaque internally. This was met with disappointment from several campaigners who felt the creation of the plaque should be a collaborative process including campaigners.     13.4.2 Alternative Option 1: SCC develop the Plaque internally. The wording, design and creation would be managed by the Council and not the volunteer task and finish group.   This is rejected because the original plan was rejected by the Street Tree Campaigners who feared the Plaque would be a tokenistic gesture by the Council and not authentically represent the intended meaning.