Issue - meetings

(i)                    That Phase 5 of the tree planting under the Urban Tree Planting Strategy be approved for implementation, subject to consultation responses, and the Service Director – Neighbourhood Delivery Services is authorised to seek and accept quotations for the work.

(ii)                   That the Service Director – Neighbourhood Delivery Services be authorised to bid for and accept external grant funding and secure community donations to contribute to the delivery of the Urban Tree Planting Strategy and other related projects.

The Leader introduced a report updating Cabinet on the progress with the Urban Tree Planting Strategy and seeking approval for Phase 5.

The Portfolio Holder for Sustainable Environment stated that the Tree Planting Strategy would contribute towards the Sustainable Environment Strategy, the removal of carbon from the atmosphere, the good management of the Council’s tree stock and Nature Recovery plans and enable external grant funding.

Attention was drawn to paragraph 2.1 of the report which outlined the list of sites for Phase 5.

The Leader advised that the trees being planted on the end of Earls Drive were also a deterrent for travellers.

The Portfolio Holder for Sustainable Environment advised that a consultation on Phase 5 would run from now until 20 November, 2023.  Planting was planned from January through to March, 2024.

The Leader stated that there were over sixty areas across the Borough that would be protected as carbon capture areas.

The Portfolio Holder for Community Safety and Wellbeing stated that this would be a welcome addition, particularly in her ward.

Councillor Gorton queried the maintenance of the trees.  The report gave little detail about looking after them and what action the council would be able to take.  Councillor Gorton was pleased that there would be a Strategy for this going forward.

Councillor Gorton also referenced the donations from residents and groups to support continuation of the Strategy and asked what the implications for the next phase would be if donations were not forthcoming.

The Leader stated that the donations related to Wolstanton Marsh where residents wanted to contribute to prevent further incursions of travellers.

The Portfolio Holder for Sustainable Environment stated that there was a tree maintenance plan but it was felt that it could be developed and improved so officers have asked for it to be put together and it should be going to the next Health, Wellbeing and Environment Scrutiny Committee.   

Resolved:    (i)       That Phase 5 of the tree planting under the Urban Tree

Planting Strategy be approved for implementation, subject to consultation responses, and the Service Director – Neighbourhood Delivery Services is authorised to seek and accept quotations for the work.

(ii)             That the Service Director – Neighbourhood Delivery Services be authorised to bid for and accept external grant funding and secure community donations to contribute to the delivery of the Urban Tree Planting Strategy and other related projects.

Watch the debate here