Agenda item

Report of the Group Director of Services

The Group Director of Services submitted a report (previously circulated) to provide members with an update on delivery of actions within the strategy, the proposed 2024/25 and revised approach to risk management and climate declaration.

The submitted report covered the aim of the Tree and Woodland Strategy which was to proactively manage and enlarge the tree population of the Borough of Darlington in order to protect our historical heritage of trees and provide a valued environmental amenity for future generations.

The report stated the following aspects which the strategy covered: How the Council manages trees that they own, how the Council protected trees on private land, an action plan setting out what needs to be done over the next fiver years.

The report mentioned the policies in which the strategy covered: Street Trees, Woodlands, Trees in Parks and Open Spaces, Trees in Cemetries and Disused Churchyards, Housing Area Trees, Privately Owned Trees.

The report stated the key highlights of the work completed so far, 37,571 trees had been planted since 2022. The report reflected the eight successful funding applications from 2021 to date which totalled at £533,975.94.

The report also covered the Risk Management, Risk Management Tree Inspections New Approach, how tree inspections are completed, recorded and who by, the timescale of inspections, Tree works, Climate Declaration and Monitoring.

Members discussed how the Council managed trees on land that is now owned by them, officers explained that the landowners were responsible for the risk and safety management of that tree. Tree Preservation Orders were discussed by the Committee and at what stage is planning permission required.

Members queried the total numbers of trees in the borough the Council is responsible for and how tree inspections can be carried out due to the vast amount.

Members discussed the Ash Dieback disease, if there was any issues of this in the borough and the risk assessments in place for this. Members queried the risk assessments around the root lifting in roads and if this hazard had been identified for wheelchair users etc.

RESOLVED – That the report content and proposed action plan for 2024/25 be noted.