Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: January 10, 2024

Purpose: Proposal to endorse and adopt a strategy that sets out the Council's approach for tree planting across Crawley. The proposed strategy will outline the principles and standards for tree planting, young tree maintenance and woodland sustainability for all Crawley Borough Council trees across the Borough.

Content: RESOLVED That the Cabinet: a)         approves the Crawley Borough Council Tree Planting Strategy as set out in Appendix A of report HCS/069.   b)         delegates authority to the Head of Community Services, in consultation with the appropriate Cabinet Member, to review and make minor amendments to the Crawley Borough Council Tree Planting Strategy as further changes to legislation and statutory guidance are introduced or following any review. (Generic Delegation 7 will be used to enact this recommendation). Reasons for the Recommendations   The proposed Crawley Borough Council Tree Planting Strategy (Appendix A) has been created to guide and inform the Council’s decisions to deliver a coherent approach for its tree planting, clearly outlining the standards for all tree planting, young tree maintenance and woodland sustainability.  It identifies a clear approach for selecting tree species, location and a process for providing tree planting on council land across the town.   Crawley Borough Council declared a climate emergency in 2019 and the associated action plan identified the need for a sustainable tree planting strategy to help tackle the effects of climate change.  This strategy fulfils the response to this requirement whilst also delivering other tangible benefits that will assist officers in taking an agreed and consistent strategic approach for future planting of council trees across the Borough.