Decision Maker: Babergh Cabinet
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Is Key decision?: No
Is subject to call in?: Yes
It was RESOLVED: -
1.1 The Cabinet resolves to publish in full the web maps and canopy cover survey data on the Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils’ website.
1.2 The Cabinet resolves to develop a formal Tree Planting Strategy to guide all future tree planting within the District to ensure that, where possible, the greatest benefit is achieved.
1.3 The Cabinet resolves to identify feasible canopy cover percentages for each ward, options for delivery of planting to achieve this target and the creation of a vision for the future.
1.4 The Cabinet resolves to delegate authority to the Portfolio Holder for Climate Change, Biodiversity and Sustainable Travel along with the Director of Operations to complete these actions.
REASON FOR DECISION
The Tree Canopy Survey has, for the first time, provided quantifiable evidence to prove the value of trees as an incredible natural capital asset. Publishing the data will be invaluable in helping people understand the benefits of trees. Developing a strategic delivery model for increasing canopy cover across Babergh District ensures we are planting the right tree in the right place to provide benefits to residents and wildlife.
Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:
Option One: Publication of the ward-by-ward Babergh Tree Canopy data online in the form of interactive web maps and a detailed report, attached in Appendix a.
Option Two: Internal use of the data only. This is not the recommended option as the canopy cover data encompasses the entire land area in the district and provides information which could benefit other organisations, parishes, and individual residents.
Any Declarations of Interests Declared: None
Any Dispensation Granted: None
Publication date: 07/09/2022
Date of decision: 05/09/2022
Decided at meeting: 05/09/2022 - Babergh Cabinet
Effective from: 15/09/2022
Accompanying Documents: