Decision details

Purpose of Report:

• An update on the York Community Woodland final design / masterplan following public consultation.
• Options/recommendations regarding capital funding streams to support woodland creation.
• Options/recommendations regarding woodland creation delivery partner.

The Executive Member will be asked to approve final woodland design / Approve capital funding stream / Approve process for appointing a woodland delivery partner

Resolved:

i.             That the final woodland design masterplan be approved as the basis for woodland creation and for submission to Forestry Commission for woodland approval and the associated indicative outline costs and phased woodland creation implementation schedule be noted.

Reason: The masterplan meets the design brief and will guide the creation of York Community Woodland and ensure it meets the community woodland vision, agreed project objectives and Forestry Commission regulatory requirements,

ii.            That the recommendation to select Forestry England as the external capital funding source be approved, to support York Community Woodland and act as the council’s woodland creation delivery partner, based on the options appraisal set out in the report.

The Executive Member was presented with the option to select either the White Rose Forest Trees for Climate Fund or Forestry England as the external capital funding source.

Reason: The external funder and woodland creation deliver partner will work with the council to create and manage the woodland in line with shared objectives, priorities and timescales. Approving the recommendation will enable the Director of Place in association with the Director of Governance and relevant officers to negotiate and enter into a formal lease agreement with Forestry England under Delegated Authority granted by the council’s Executive on 26 August 2021.

iii.          That the publication of any necessary ‘open space’ disposal Notice under S.123(2A) of the Local Government Act 1972 be approved. If any comments are received from the public in response to such Notice, these will be referred to the Executive Member for Environment and Climate Change for consideration.

Reason: To ensure compliance with the Council’s obligations pursuant to S.123(2A) of the Local Government Act 1972.