Issue - meetings

Recommendation

That Executive approves adoption of the Tree and Woodland Policy as set out in Appendix A to this report.

Considered a report of the Corporate Director – Environment which sought approval to adopt a Tree and Woodland Policy for North Yorkshire Council (NYC). This would draw on best practice in the sector to ensure consistent, safe, and the sustainable management of trees across the county.

Introducing the report, the Executive Member for Highways and Transportation, Councillor Malcolm Taylor explained that the policy brought together existing approaches from former district and borough councils into a single framework. The policy sought to strengthen protection of trees and green spaces, improve expectations on developers to retain trees and hedgerows, support biodiversity and climate resilience, and provide clearer and more transparent processes for residents, Members and officers.

The Chair then invited discussion on the report including by non-Executive members, Councillors Liz Colling, Kevin Foster, Caroline Goodrick and Andrew Murday.

During discussion, Members expressed general support for the policy but raised a number of detailed issues. Concerns were raised regarding the need to maintain an appropriate balance between protecting trees and allowing necessary works, together with clarity around appeal mechanisms for residents. Officers confirmed that decisions relating to tree works were subject to existing planning and complaints processes, and that applications refused under Tree Preservation Orders could be appealed.

Members welcomed the intention to prepare a future Tree Planting Strategy and sought clarity on its scope and timescales. Officers advised that this would be developed following adoption of the policy and would take a holistic approach, incorporating wider environmental strategies, with an estimated development period of between 18 months and two years.

Concerns were also raised regarding the maintenance of existing trees and the absence of additional dedicated funding. Officers confirmed that the policy would be implemented using existing resources, supported by prioritisation based on risk and condition.

During discussion, particular attention was given to paragraph 5.35 to the effect that the council could not authorise members of the public or their agents to undertake desirable but non-essential works to trees on Council land in line with good arboricultural or forestry practice when the Council could not allocate resources to such work. While the policy proposed that such works would not normally be permitted, Members considered whether, in certain circumstances, appropriately qualified and insured third parties should be permitted to carry out works at their own expense. Views were expressed both in support of a more flexible, pragmatic approach and in favour of maintaining equity of access to council services.

Following debate, it was agreed that the policy should be amended to allow for a case-by-case consideration of such requests, subject to appropriate standards, insurance and approval by the Council.

Resolved (unanimously) that the Executive:

       i.         approves adoption of the Tree and Woodland Policy as set out in Appendix A to the report; and

     ii.         approves delegation to the Corporate Director in consultation with the Executive Member to make amendments to the policy under service requests for tree works as detailed in paragraph 5.35 of the report to reflect the discussion to allow exceptions.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 932