Issue - meetings

Adoption of a Tree and Hedgerow Strategy for the South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership, setting out the ambition and high level commitments of the three Councils (report of the Climate Change and Environment Manager enclosed).

Consideration was given to the report of the Climate Change and Environment Manager which requested adoption of a Tree and Hedgerow Strategy for the South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership, setting out the ambition and high-level commitments of the three Councils.

The following points were raised:

·         It was important to secure existing trees and hedgerows and to maintain the natural environment.

·         It was important to ensure that the right tree was planted in the right place.

·         The health and wellbeing benefits were important.

·         The Leader commented that members should note what trees and hedgerows were in their wards so that this information could assist in planning the way forward

·         It was important to ensure that conditions were placed on new properties so that trees/plants could not be removed unnecessarily.

·         It was sometimes necessary to remove a tree however, re-planting should then be undertaken elsewhere.

DECISION:

That the adoption of the Tree and Hedgerow Strategy be approved.

(Other options considered:

·         To not take forward a Tree and Hedgerow Strategy and continue to develop projects, policies and procedures in a piecemeal fashion across the sub-region.

Reasons for decision:

·         To ensure a consistent approach to tree management and planting across the sub-region).