Decision

This decision is to agree the Tree Inspection protocol for Cheltenham.  This is an operational matter; however, given its borough wide coverage and the extent of tree stock in the council’s ownership I am making the decision to agree and publish this protocol in my role as Cabinet Member for Planning and Building Control under which the responsibility for the tree service sits.

Any future updates or reviews of this protocol will be agreed under officer delegation via the relevant Director.

To note, an updated Ash Die Back Management Plan will be published alongside the Tree Management protocol.

Reasons for the decision

The council for many years has had an informal protocol setting out its approach to managing its tree stock, the last time this was updated was 2021. This protocol has recently been reviewed and will be published on the council’s website. It is an operational document and replaces the 2021 version.  It has been updated to:

1.       Reflect relevant arboriculture guidance and best practice on the management and maintenance of tree stock, and

2.       Take account that Cheltenham Borough Council and Cheltenham Borough Homes, as of the 1st July 2024 became a single organisation.  This protocol covers all assets across Cheltenham Borough Council ownership.

Alternative options considered

N/A.  Updating and publishing the protocol is best practice.