Issue - meetings

a)    That the comments of the Environment, Flooding and Climate Change Overview and Scrutiny Committee be noted;

b)    That the refreshed Tree Management Strategy 2026-2031 be approved.

(KEY DECISION)

The Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Growth, Environment and Transport which presented the revised Tree Management Strategy 2026-2031, which set out the approach for the management of the County Counci’'s trees and woodlands.  A copy of the report marked ‘Agenda Item 4’ is filed with these minutes.

Mr. Crook CC welcomed that the Strategy set out standards for the management of all trees which were managed directly by the County Council to ensure that they complied with nationally recognised codes of practice.  He commented that by adhering to the Strategy, the Council would ensure that its trees and woodlands were protected and continued to be recognised as a valuable natural asset to the county.

Mr. Hamilton-Gray CC noted that the Strategy provided a framework to ensure that the Council met its ambition to plant one million trees for Leicestershire by 2032.  This would benefit local communities and help to meet the Council’s commitment to improve biodiversity across Leicestershire.

RESOLVED:

a)    That the comments of the Environment, Flooding and Climate Change Overview and Scrutiny Committee be noted;

b)    That the refreshed Tree Management Strategy 2026-2031 be approved.

(KEY DECISION)

REASONS FOR DECISION:

The County Council is responsible for managing trees on land within its ownership or control and, as local highway authority, for managing tree-related risks affecting the public highway.  The Strategy sets out a reasonable, proportionate and risk-based approach to inspection, maintenance, prioritisation and record keeping. 

The Tree Management Strategy sets out standards and procedures for the management of the tree resource under the stewardship of the County Council.  It is intended to assist the Council in protecting trees and woodlands as a valuable natural asset to Leicestershire while complying with recognised industry guidance and relevant statutory duties, mitigate legal and financial risk, including claims arising from tree failure.

The Tree Management Strategy will provide a framework to support delivery of the Council’s ambition to plant a million trees for Leicestershire by 2032.