Content

: Dunsfold Common (North) is a strip of
woodland running north from Dunsfold and turning east towards
Cranleigh. It is characterized by ash trees, many of which are
affected by Ash Die Back. The Council is duty-bound to ensure that
trees under its’ responsibility do not present an undue risk
to people and property. This duty is discharged through the
carrying out regular formal inspections of those trees under
Council ownership which have potential to cause damage or harm in
the event of failure.
The works covered under this contract were identified during formal
inspection of trees on site, as being necessary to reduce the risk
to a low (normal) level. Their completion will ensure that the
Council complies with its legal obligations in respect of tree risk
management.

Reasons for the decision

To enable the Council to fulfil its’
legal obligation to manage, and if necessary, reduce the risk to
people and property presented by Council-owned trees. These works
will protect the Council’s risk of litigation from
foreseeable tree failure.

Alternative options considered

To not carry out the tree safety works. If
this option were taken, there would be an increased risk of harm
the Council would be exposed to the risk of litigation if harm or
damage was caused by the foreseeable failure of Council-owned trees
on the Farnham Park Southern Slope.