Decision details

Purpose of Report: This policy document will contain information on tree protection, tree planting & replacement, tree maintenance and tree related insurance claims.

The Executive Member will be asked to approve the new policy.

This report will be considered by the Learning & Culture Policy and Scrutiny (Pre Decision Calling In) Committee on Wednesday 15 June 2016.

The Executive Member for Culture, Leisure & Tourism will make his decision during his Executive Member Decision Session on 24June 2016.

Resolved: That the policy for the management of the Council’s public trees be agreed subject to the following  amendments;

Tree Removal and Pruning

·        Policy Statement 6: The removal of the word retain so that it reads-To increase light levels or change the view in or out of a private property.

·        Clarification of Policy Statement 16 (Funding of Tree Work by Third Parties) to define the nature of the work and outline under what circumstances it should be approved.

Reason: (i) To ensure that the Council’s duty of care toward tree management and protection remains consistent and transparent and that resources are used to the best effect.

   (ii)    To give a better understanding of tree management practices in York

 (iii) To protect valuable trees from unnecessary damage, inappropriate work or removal.