Decision details

The Council has a dual role to play in tree issues. Firstly, as an owner it is responsible for managing its own tree stock and has a legal obligation to maintain them to ensure the safety of the public. Secondly, the Council has a regulatory role under the planning acts for the preservation of trees whether protected by Tree Preservation Orders or growing on development sites.

The tree policy is intended to set out how the Council will approach its role with specific regards to the management of its own trees, dangerous privately owned trees, problematic high hedges, protected trees and trees affected by development.

Relevant Overview and Scrutiny Committee: Regeneration, Community and Culture Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

255/2008 The Cabinet agreed the Tree Management Policy, as set out in appendix 1 to the report.

The Policy will provide clear principles by which the Council will approach its role with specific regards to customer requests for service, the management of its own trees, dangerous privately owned trees, problematic high hedges, protected trees and trees affected by development.