Agenda item

To consider report HCS/069 of the Head of Community Services.

The Commission considered report HCS/069 of the Head of Community Services. The report sought endorsement and adoption of a strategy setting out the Council's approach for tree planting across Crawley. The proposed strategy outlined the principles and standards for tree planting, young tree maintenance and woodland sustainability for all Crawley Borough Council trees across the Borough.

During the discussion with the Leader of the Council and Head of Community Services the following comments were made:

·         Recognition that the strategy had been created to deliver a coherent approach for the Council’s tree planting, clearly outlining the standards, young tree maintenance and woodland sustainability. It identified a clear approach for selecting tree species, location and a process for providing tree planting on Council land across the town.

·         Confirmation that the strategy only applied to Council trees planted on Council owned land and this was funded through section 106 funds.  The strategy did not apply to private developments or any other land that was not owned by the Council

·         Acknowledgement that the strategy assisted in fulfilling the Council’s response to tackling the climate change emergency requirement whilst also delivering other tangible benefits that would assist officers in taking an agreed and consistent strategic approach for future planting of Council trees across the Borough.

·         Confirmation was sought and obtained on whether there was a reference to strategic planning policies to complement the strategy, particularly in relation to land and trees not within the Council’s ownership. It was mentioned that there were many Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs) and the Planning and Climate Change SPD did mention consideration of such matters.

·         Information was provided on the planned maintenance for existing and future trees, from sapling to maturity. The Council’s tree database held valuable information on the Council-owned tree stock including existing quality, variety and quantity of canopy coverage. The database would continue to be used to capture newly planted trees and their aftercare, producing a healthier more reliable tree stock in future as essential maintenance was planned and executed. 

·         Recognition that it was important to maintain the existing canopy cover, and where trees were removed if they were dead, dying or dangerous. trees could be planted on a ‘like for like’ basis. Where that was not possible, in managing biosecurity, those planted would have the maximum chance of survival.

·         It was felt important for newly planted trees to be in keeping with the urban landscape and create an aesthetic environment.  In response it was added that it was anticipated the efficient management of urban tree cover would assist in increasing amenity value.

·         Recognition that there was currently sufficient funding through Section 106, however it was important to be aware of long-term funding opportunities. The Woodland Trust funding could be allocated to other organisations that may wish to plant trees within their land

·         It was noted that some diseases (such as Ash Die Back) had a significant detrimental effect on the canopy cover, and it was important to maintain existing canopy cover whilst also maximising the chance of survival.  It was suggested that there may be options whereby some trees (oaks) could potentially be left to regenerate naturally, resulting in increased tree canopy with little or no cost.

·         Clarity was sought on the figures relating to the Council’s canopy cover identified within the report.

·         Acknowledgement that with diminishing land it was important to aim to maintain the current percentage of tree canopy cover, with an aspiration to increase if possible.   It was commented that perhaps further detail was required with reference to the development and improvement of the urban tree cover, as it was important to recognise the extend and quality of the tree canopy coverage.

RESOLVED

That the Commission noted the report and requested that the views expressed during the debate, were fed back to the Cabinet through the Commission’s Comment sheet.