PAPER B

Committee :    ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, PLANNING, TOURISM AND LEISURE SERVICES SELECT COMMITTEE

Date :              22 JULY 2002

Title :              TREE PRESERVATION ORDERS: ORDER STATUS REPORT

REPORT OF THE STRATEGIC DIRECTOR, CORPORATE AND ENVIRONMENT SERVICES

SUMMARY/PURPOSE

The Order Status Report is the output from the first phase of the Tree Preservation Orders Review Project which began in early 2001. The document analyses and describes problems with the present system, and examines options for improving the service.

BACKGROUND

There are longstanding problems with the existing Tree Preservation Order records. Many are in poor condition, and do not provide the protection to trees for which they were intended. A review of these has been undertaken and this report is the first major output of the review.

OUTCOME OF CONSULTATIONS

Because of the sensitive nature of this report, the review has been an internal process only. A new consultation system for the Protected Trees Service is proposed in the report.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

Improvements to the service will require ongoing revenue commitment. Options and costs are given detailed consideration in the report. As a separate consideration, if the Select Committee endorse the report it will also be necessary to review the accommodation of the Protected Trees Service, and bring options before the Select Committee at a later date.

LEGAL IMPLICATIONS

The report considers the legal aspects of the Protected Trees Service, which is a statutory role of the Local Planning Authority. Deficiencies in the present records and system are identified which could in future lead to legal difficulties. Options are given to address these.

BACKGROUND PAPERS

Tree Preservation Orders Review Project : Order Status Report (June 2002)

M FISHER

Strategic Director, Corporate and Environment Services