Agenda item

To consider and comment on the Draft Tree Management Policy.

The Committee received a report from the Contracts Team Leader and the Commissioning and Procurement Team Leader, and were asked to consider and comment on the Draft Tree Management Policy in order to inform the consultation draft of the policy prior to a period of formal public consultation.

The Committee noted that Selby District Council had a statutory responsibility for the management and maintenance of trees on Council owned land. The Council intended to formalise and publicise the policy and approach to managing trees, which would allow the Council to more efficiently manage the trees on Council owned land. It would also enable a consistent approach to managing the range of enquiries and requests for works that were received, and ensure that risks were managed effectively to ensure public safety.

Members asked if there were plans available that showed which areas of trees the Council or Parish Councils were responsible for; the Contracts Team Leader confirmed that there were plans for those areas maintained under the Environmental Services contract, and that these could be circulated to Members as required.

The maintenance of the deciduous trees on Hambleton Hough was also queried by the Committee; it was noted that management of the site was through a separate agreement with the Wildlife Habitat Protection Trust and that further information would need to be requested from the Communities Team. Members also requested clarification on tree ownership and responsibilities if a site was jointly owned by the Council and the Local Health Authority.

Officers confirmed that they would insert a sentence in the policy around privately owned trees affecting Council property and that in such an instance, the private owner of the tree should be contacted to deal with the issue. The Committee also noted that there was no responsibility for the Council to clear up leaf or  blossom fall from Council owned trees if they fell on private property. However, if naturally occurring tree behaviour like blossom or leaf fall occurred on  adopted highways, this would be dealt with via routine cleansing.

The Committee expressed its support for Officers exploring access to funds and projects, such as community orchards, to increase the number of trees in the District.

Members asked Officers to explain what publicity would be taking place to advertise the policy when it came into effect; it was confirmed that publicity would be carried out via the internet, social media, press releases, local or tenant newsletters and via Parish Councils. A web page was also being developed on the Council’s website that would hold all relevant information relating to trees and their management that the public or Officers might find useful.

The disposal of green waste resulting from tree felling or trimming was discussed by the Committee. Officers were asked to look into the potential market for the purchase of felled tree logs for fuel or firewood, although the small numbers may make this unsustainable. Historically, any felled tree was cut up and left for local residents to take away.

Officers confirmed that the Committee’s comments would be included in the draft policy where appropriate, and following consultation, the policy would be taken to the Executive for final agreement.

RESOLVED:

i)       To note the content of the report.

ii)      To welcome the introduction of the Tree Management Policy as it:

a)    gives clarity and consistency to the Council’s responsibilities;

b)   identifies clearly the Council’s legal responsibilities for trees in its ownership; and

c)    ensures that the Council’s resources are directed effectively.