Issue - meetings

To seek endorsement of the Tonbridge and Malling Tree Charter

(Report of Chief Executive)

The report sought endorsement of the Tonbridge and Malling Tree Charter attached at Annex 1.  The Tree Charter was aligned to the Climate Change Strategy and supported the Council’s ambition to be carbon neutral by 2030.  It also supported the commitment to biodiversity protection and enhancement.

Following consideration by the Street Scene and Environment Services Advisory Board, the Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change resolved that:

(1)        the Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council Tree Charter, as set out at Annex 1, be adopted; and

(2)        a proposed review of Council owned land to assess the potential for tree planting schemes, be endorsed.

Decision Notice D210081MEM

The report of the Chief Executive sought endorsement of the Tonbridge and Malling Tree Charter attached at Annex 1.  The Tree Charter was aligned to the Climate Change Strategy and supported the Council’s ambition to be carbon neutral by 2030.  It also supported the commitment to biodiversity protection and enhancement.

The benefits of trees in relation to health and wellbeing, air quality, flood management and carbon capture were contained within the Charter, as well as opportunities to increase tree coverage on the borough’s estates, and working with landowners, community groups and developers.  Members noted that in order to implement any schemes, funding opportunities would be explored and opportunities to promote tree planning on new developments through the review and refresh of the Local Plan and planning decisions would be considered. 

RECOMMENDED: That

(1)        the Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council Tree Charter, as set out at Annex 1, be adopted; and

(2)        a proposed review of Council owned land to assess the potential for tree planting schemes, be endorsed.