Issue - meetings

This report sets out a proposed policy for the management of the Council’s own “public” tree stock. It also responds to the recommendations made by the Learning & Culture Policy and Scrutiny Committee (Pre Decision Calling in) on 15 June 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.

The Executive Member received a report which set out the proposed policy for the management of the Council’s own “public” tree stock.

The report also responded to a number of recommendations made by the Learning and Culture Policy and Scrutiny Committee (Pre Decision Calling In) Committee on 15 June 2016 in respect of this policy.

Officers introduced the report and informed the Executive Member that the Pre Decision Call In had provided assistance when revising the policy.

The Executive Member established that the policy was a positive move and after questioning Officers he was minded to approve the it with the following amendments;

·        Policy Statement 16- to remove the word retain

·        Clarification of Policy Statement 16- to define the nature of the work and outline under what circumstances it should be approved.

Consideration was given to written representations which had been received. It was noted that;

·        The tree at Burgess Walk has a Tree Protection Order on it.

·        The footpath at Hamilton Drive West had been repaired.

·        The tree at Cedarwood Close was situated in a resident’s garden and there had been an agreement reached to prune the tree back.

Resolved:   That the policy for the management of the Council’s public trees (as outlined in Annex 1 to the Officer’s report) be agreed subject to the following  amendments as above.

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.