URL: https://democracy.adur-worthing.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1313

Decision Maker: Joint Strategic Committee

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose:

Content: Before the Committee was a report by the Assistant Director for Place and Economy, copies of which had been circulated to all Members and a copy of which is attached to the signed copy of these minutes as Item 11.   Following the recent endorsement of ‘A Vision for Nature in Adur & Worthing’, the report before members set out a robust ambition for the role of trees in delivering that vision. It sought to establish a comprehensive approach to protecting existing tree stock and accelerating planting across the area—supporting nature corridors, parks, and specifically addressing the need for trees in urban streets   The report presented the ‘Urban Tree Planting & Maintenance Policy 2025-2030’ for adoption. The policy underpinned the ambition to protect and to expand the canopy cover equitably.   The report addressed the specific challenge of planting trees in ‘hard standing’ (pavements and streets). It outlined the Council’s commitment to developing a sustainable delivery model to plug this gap, utilising internal capacity within our Parks and Engineering teams, supported by sponsorship and deep community involvement.   Decision:     1.     That the Adur & Worthing Urban Tree Planting & Maintenance Policy 2025-2030 be adopted as the foundation for our tree management and planting ambitions.   2.     That the ambition to develop a Council-led delivery model be endorsed specifically designed to address tree planting in hard standing locations (urban streets) from April 2026, ensuring this vital aspect of our urban greening is maintained.   3.     That authority be delegated to the Assistant Director for Place and Economy, in consultation with the relevant Cabinet Members, to finalise the operational details of this hybrid delivery model—combining Council expertise with external sponsorship and community participation—to replace the outgoing external contract arrangements.   4.     That the proposals to engage with communities through the Thriving Together programme be supported  alongside the work with partners on the Vision for Nature, maximising the development and take up of community led tree planting initiatives   Call In: The call-in deadline for decisions will be 5.00pm on 16 December 2025

Date of Decision: December 9, 2025