To receive feedback from the consultation taking place from 1 September 2020 for six weeks, and the views of Members of the Communities and Local Services Scrutiny Committee, on the Draft Tree and Woodland Strategy 2021-31.

The Cabinet Member with the Local Services Portfolio introduced the report of the Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services (previously circulated) requesting that consideration be given to the outcome of the consultation undertaken on the Draft Tree and Woodland Strategy (also previously circulated).

The submitted report stated that the consultation on the Draft Tree and Woodland Strategy took place between 1 September and 18 October 2020; 145 responses had been received to the online survey from either individuals or organisations; in addition to the protection provided to trees through the Tree and Woodland Strategy, there were also a number of policies within relevant Planning documents that afforded the appropriate level of protection to trees and woodlands; if it was appropriate to remove trees for development, it would always be a requirement to achieve a net biodiversity gain; and stated that a number of changes were proposed to the strategy following the consultation.

Representations were made by a Member in attendance at the meeting in respect of the recommendation from Scrutiny relating to people’s quality of life; the consultation process; and to the changes that had been made to the Strategy since the original strategy was published in 2011.  Written representations were also received from a Member and members of the public in respect of the Strategy requesting that consideration be given to including replanting of Christmas trees sold to residents with roots and in pots in the strategy; carbon capture impact and quantifying of the canopy cover to provide data on the positive impact that trees, plants, etc., have on the environment and climate; and the planting of fruit trees in parks and open spaces, the community involvement in the process and the funding of the planting.

References was also made to the ambition of the Strategy; the inclusion of hedgerows in the Strategy; the growth of the trees; street trees; and the work of the aboricultural team.

The Leader and the Cabinet Member with the Leisure Services Portfolio responded to all the representations and comments thereon and in doing so referred to the planting of trees to remember those people who had died in the Borough of Covid-19.

RESOLVED – (a) That the outcome of the consultation undertaken on the Tree and WoodlandStrategy, as detailed in the submitted report, be noted.

(b)  That the Tree and Woodland Strategy 2021/31, with inclusion of the proposed amendments as detailed in paragraph 30 of the submitted report, be approved and adopted.

REASON - To provide a framework for the management and maintenance of trees and woodland within the Borough of Darlington.