URL: https://democracy.ribblevalley.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1411

Decision Maker: Planning and Development

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: The Director of Economic Development and Planning submitted a report informing Committee about steps which needed to be taken to address Ash Dieback affecting trees on the Council’s land.   RVBC had been managing the impact of Ash Dieback in recent years on numerous Council owned sites across the Borough, removing trees where necessary. Prior to 2024/25, the works had been completed within existing budgetary provisions. Subsequently, due to the significant amounts of works required, supplementary budgets were then approved by Policy and Finance Committee for works totalling:   ·       £31,950 in 2024/25 ·       £25,380 in 2025/26   Ash Dieback was proving a very fluid disease to manage and any tree work carried out so far would not be the end of the process. Further felling of dead, dying and diseased ash trees would have to be carried out over at least 3 years until the threat of tree failure was reduced to an acceptable level of risk.   Officers had undertaken risk assessments and tree counts on sixty-five Council owned sites. Taking account of the works undertaken already and a worst-case scenario of the works required over the coming 3 years, the calculations resulted in an estimated total contract value of over £100,000, as such a formal tender exercise would be required.   RESOLVED THAT COMMITTEE:   Referred to Policy and Finance Committee a request for a growth item of £100,000 to manage Ash Dieback on Council owned sites for 3 years between 2026/27-2028/29.  

Date of Decision: February 5, 2026