Issue - meetings

The revised Tree Management Policy has been developed to consider the benefits and importance of maintaining the borough’s trees. It aims to raise the profile, value and appreciation of trees in the borough, to improve understanding of tree issues, manage expectations and to meet the challenge of adapting to climate change in the coming decades.

RESOLVED that:

17.1    The Council’s revised Tree Management Policy, set out in full as the Appendix to the report, be approved.

Councillor Eleanor Southwood, Cabinet Member for Environment, stated that the Council is committed to managing the Borough’s tree stock successfully. She stated that the revised Tree Management Policy has been developed to consider the benefits and importance of maintaining the Council’s trees. It aims to raise the profile, value and appreciation of trees in the borough, to improve understanding of tree issues, manage expectations and to meet the challenge of adapting to climate change in the coming decades.

Councillor Southwood stated that the policy also recommends a risk management-based approach to mitigate against insurance claims arising from damage to property and/or personal injury caused by trees.

The report also draws together all relevant services to provide a single comprehensive policy covering the management of trees that fall within service areas of: Street Trees; Parks & Cemeteries; Planning; Highways & Infrastructure; and Housing Management.

RESOLVED that:

17.1    The Council’s revised Tree Management Policy, set out in full as the Appendix to the report, be approved.