Decision details

The committee received a report outlining the scheduled 2026 review of the Corporate Tree Risk Management Strategy and the proposed adoption which refined the strategy to focus solely on managing the risk from falling trees and branches. The updated strategy incorporated new national guidance, strengthened governance arrangements, and introduced two new policies relating to replacement planting and biodiversity considerations. Members were advised that the revised approach included the formation of a corporate Tree Risk Management Board to oversee implementation, the formal adoption of the Quantified Tree Risk Assessment (QTRA) methodology, clearer competency and inspection standards, and a zoned, risk?based inspection regime across all Council land.

It was noted that earlier arrangements had been insufficient and that the 2021 strategy had been introduced following the council’s recognised failings during the prosecution process; version 1.1 presented to the committee significantly strengthened those measures.

Members asked for reassurance that tree inspections would be genuinely thorough, noting that species such as birch and ash often shown internal decay that was difficult to detect. Officers explained zoning arrangements, 18?month inspection cycles for high?priority areas, and a system of recording only trees showing defects, with more intrusive surveys undertaken where needed.

The committee queried enforcement powers under the Highways Act and asked whether action had been taken in practice; officers confirmed that enforcement was regularly used on highway?related issues and, more rarely, on private land where risks were identified or owners could not be traced. Officers confirmed that further consideration would be given as to how the council would improve engagement with large landowners, such as the NHS.

The committee welcomed and supported the strategy, emphasising the importance of maintaining inspection capacity and encouraging public reporting of concerns via the Council’s Highways reporting system.

The Chair thanked Mrs Hall, and her stepson Sam, for attending the meeting.

[Link to Chris’ Law Petition: Petition · Support Chris's Law: • A National Law for Tree Safety in Public Spaces - United Kingdom · Change.org]

RESOLVED (unanimously):

That the Environment and Communities Committee

1)    Approve the Corporate Tree Risk Management Strategy (Version 1.1, January 2026) as the Council’s framework for tree safety management.

2)    Delegate authority to the Director of Planning & Environment to:

i) Manage implementation of the Strategy, with governance through the Tree Risk Management Board as set out in Appendix 1 Tree Risk Management Strategy V1.1 2026 and

ii) Amend the terms of reference for the Tree Risk Management Board as appropriate, in consultation with the relevant Cabinet Member.