Purpose

The trees of West Sussex are a
valuable and essential element of the urban and rural landscape,
contributing significantly to the character of the county, as well
as providing other economic, social, and environmental benefits,
all of which contribute to quality of life.
 
The revised
West Sussex Tree
Plan, approved by
the Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change in February
2026, seeks to ensure that the trees within the County
Council’s ownership are maintained, protected, and improved
for current and future generations. Objective 2 specifically seeks
to protect the County Council’s tree stock from third party
development, seeking compensation for any loss and ring-fencing any
compensation to support the delivery of the Tree Plan
through
the replanting of trees in suitable alternative locations.

Decision

The Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport
has –
 
(1) 
approved the Policy for the protection of highway trees affected by
Street Works (Appendix 1); and

 
(2) 
delegated authority to the Service Director (Highways, Transport
and Planning) to make minor amendments and updates to the Policy in
the future, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Highways
and Transport.