Minutes:
It was moved by Councillor J Johnsson and seconded by Councillor L Bones that:
Review and Update of the Tree Management Policy for Improved Balance between Residents' Needs and Tree Maintenance
Council recognises the invaluable contribution that trees make to our Borough, including their role in shaping the landscape, providing habitats for wildlife, and playing an essential role in the ecosystem to combat climate change.
However, residents have raised numerous concerns regarding the reactive nature of maintenance of trees by the Council. Many trees within our Borough, particularly in residential areas, exhibit disproportionate size and proximity to residential properties, resulting in significant problems. These issues include the obstruction of light and heat, excessive leaf fall blocking drains and gullies, and property damage caused by falling branches.
The Council's current Tree Management Policy places an imbalanced emphasis on the needs of these problematic trees, with insufficient consideration for the welfare and interests of residents residing in close proximity to them. In order to ensure that residents' concerns are adequately considered in decision-making processes, it is necessary to review the existing policy. This new approach will aim to enhance the aesthetic appeal of our area, minimise property repairs, reduce insurance claims, and significantly improve the quality of life for many residents.
Therefore, the Council asks the Mayor to establish a cross-party working group to review the Tree Management Policy. The purpose of this review is to strike a better balance between the needs of our residents and the maintenance of trees within our Borough. The group should be asked to propose practical measures, including routine pruning practices, to proactively address tree-related issues before they escalate.
By working with residents, we can develop a policy that better aligns with their needs and expectations, while acknowledging the importance of trees in our Borough.
An amendment was moved by Councillor H Johnson and seconded by Councillor C Johnson as follows:
Delete the wording at paragraph 2
However, residents have raised numerous concerns regarding the reactive nature of maintenance of trees by the Council. Many trees within our Borough, particularly in residential areas, exhibit disproportionate size and proximity to residential properties, resulting in significant problems. These issues include the obstruction of light and heat, excessive leaf fall blocking drains and gullies, and property damage caused by falling branches.
Delete the wording at paragraph 4 as follows:
establish a cross-party working group to review the Tree Management Policy
Delete the wording at paragraph 6 as follows:
The group should be asked to
Add wording at paragraph 3
In certain instances
Add bullet points as follows
• Undertake a review of the council’s current tree management policy
• Refer the policy to the cross party Green Sub-Committee for consideration before it goes to Cabinet.
The amended motion therefore read:
Review and Update of the Tree Management Policy for Improved Balance between Residents' Needs and Tree Maintenance
Council recognises the invaluable contribution that trees make to our Borough, including their role in shaping the landscape, providing habitats for wildlife, and playing an essential role in the ecosystem to combat climate change.
In certain instances, the Council's current Tree Management Policy places an imbalanced emphasis on the needs of these problematic trees, with insufficient consideration for the welfare and interests of residents residing in close proximity to them. In order to ensure that residents' concerns are adequately considered in decision-making processes, it is necessary to review the existing policy. This new approach will aim to enhance the aesthetic appeal of our area, minimise property repairs, reduce insurance claims, and significantly improve the quality of life for many residents.
Therefore, the Council asks the Mayor to;
• Undertake a review of the council’s current tree management policy
• Refer the policy to the cross party Green Sub-Committee for consideration before it goes to Cabinet.
The purpose of this review is to strike a better balance between the needs of our residents and the maintenance of trees within our Borough and to propose practical measures, including routine pruning practices, to proactively address tree-related issues before they escalate.
By working with residents, we can develop a policy that better aligns with their needs and expectations, while acknowledging the importance of trees in our Borough.
The amendment, on being put to the meeting, was approved unanimously.
The substantive motion, on being put to the meeting, was approved unanimously.