URL: https://democracy.northtyneside.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=399

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: Cabinet was presented with a report which detailed the Authority’s updated Tree Management Policy and Tree Planting Strategy.   Cabinet was informed that trees were an important part of the North Tyneside landscape but were also a sensitive and often emotive asset to manage. The estimated overall tree canopy cover in North Tyneside was 705 hectares and half of all trees in the borough were on Authority owned land which equated to over 85,000.   Cabinet was informed that trees made a valuable contribution to both wildlife conservation and the protection and development of a variety of habitats. They were a key part of the Authority’s green flag parks and open spaces and helped to make North Tyneside a great place to live, work and visit. Importantly, they soaked up CO2 from the atmosphere and played a crucial role in the global challenge of mitigating against the impacts of climate change and the climate emergency currently faced.   Cabinet was informed that, to protect and manage existing tree stock, it is important to have an up-to-date management policy. Cabinet was reminded that the Authority’s Tree Management Policy was first introduced in 2009 and had been regularly reviewed over time. This most recent review ensured that the Authority’s policy remained effective, relevant and aligned with current legislation and best industry practice.    Cabinet was informed that the updated policy explained how the Authority will operate, was more user friendly and provided context to decision making in relation to trees. Additionally, to support the Authority’s ambitions for tree planting and the ongoing success of the North East Community Forest, the Authority had updated the Tree Planting Strategy.   Cabinet was informed that protecting existing trees and increasing tree planting, woodland and canopy cover was a key part of the Authority’s carbon net-zero 2030 action plan.   Cabinet RESOLVED to:   1.       Approve the revised Tree Management Policy and the revised Tree Planting Strategy 2025-2028 and to their publication;   2.     Authorise the Director of Environment to keep the Tree Management Policy and Tree Planting Strategy under review, and in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Environment and the Cabinet Member for Community Safety and the Climate Emergency, to take all steps necessary at the conclusion of such a review including making amendments to the Policy and/or Strategy and the publication of the amended Policy and/or Strategy; and   3.     Agree to receive a report every 3 years, or sooner if the Director of Environment considers it appropriate, on the use of the Tree Management Policy and the Tree Planting Strategy to ensure Cabinet’s continued oversight of the Policy and Strategy.   Reasons for the DECISION:   The Tree Management Policy has been updated with the guidance from a tree management specialist to consider legislative changes and best practice guidelines.   Similarly, the Tree Planting Strategy 2025-2028 sets new ambitious targets for tree planting following the success of the previous Tree Planting Strategy and incorporates updated guidance from Defra on measuring and reporting.   Agreeing the recommendations will support the delivery of the Our North Tyneside Council Plan 2021-2025 carbon net zero ambition and provide a range of benefits that tree maintenance and planting bring.  

Date of Decision: July 28, 2025