Agenda and minutes

None

There were no declarations made.

(A period not exceeding 20 minutes for statements from up to 5 members of the public on matters within the Panel’s remit, proposing action(s) which may be considered or contribute towards the future development of the Panel’s work programme).

Public Statement 1 - Richard Needham, Doncaster Resident and Member of the Green Party speaking for the Middlefield Road Tree Protesters:

We are pleased that DMBC are undertaking a much-needed review of the Tree Policy following the Middlefield Road issue where 64 healthy mature trees were removed on mass.  Decimating an important wildlife corridor depriving bees of a rich source of pollen and causing division and upset amongst residents.  This should never be allowed to happen again.  It is simply not acceptable or sustainable.  Middlefield Road illustrates everything that is wrong with the loopholes in the current Policy. 

We know that alternative engineering solutions are available and should be used.  In the past trees have been felled because they have been seen as a danger or as a nuisance when in most cases a clever solution is available, making felling unnecessary.  For example, flexi pave can be used allowing water to drain through helping to water the tree and prevent flooding. 

We need to remember the real danger that threatens everyone is the Climate and Biodiversity emergency.  Unless this is tackled head on, it will cost us dearly.  There is no room for complacency and thinking, “it is just a tree”, each and every tree needs to be valued. 

The spirit of the updated policy is good.  It aspires to increase the value of trees in their role in tackling climate and biodiversity emergency, help prevent flooding, improve local air quality and make Doncaster a healthier and more attractive place to live, work and visit. 

DMBC has stepped up to declare a climate and biodiversity emergency and if the spirit of the tree policy is acted upon, DMBC will succeed and will lead the way tree by tree, ensuring minimal tree removal is adhered to.  If the spirit of the policy is not adhered to then rest assured we are here and will challenge poor decisions and raise public awareness.  DMBC do not be another Sheffield. 

Thank you.

Public Statement 2 - Kate Needham, Doncaster Resident, Member of the Green Party and a Middlefield Road Tree Protestor:

On the 12^th February 2021, I wrote to Tim Newton following the previous meeting about the draft policy.  I raised the issue that although the spirit of the policy is good some things were not explicit enough to ensure that the spirit is acted upon.  I also congratulated him on the progress and work that had been done so far. 

For example in page 16 of the planting trees section, there is no mention of location which should be as close to the removed trees as possible, otherwise urban areas where trees are removed will be left bare. 

A public record should be kept of the location, numbers and survival rate of replacement trees. 

Page 17 Bio-security section, there is no mention of planting a variety of species rather than identical trees in order to prevent disease spreading.

In Middlefield Road all the replacement saplings were identical which is not good for  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

The Panel received a presentation from Council Officers and Professor Ian Rotherham, which provided detailed information about findings and how these have been translated into the revised Policy.

Key areas considered by the Panel during it’s review of the Policy included:

Establishing Tree Wardens to work with the Local Authority –It was recognised that Tree Wardens had been operating nationally for some time and there was a strong interest for them to be established in Doncaster.  It was recognised that roles would need to be clear, meshing with the Local Authority to deliver the wider service.  In addition to partners, for example Parish Councils and local businesses, it was noted that Tree Wardens would not remove resources from the borough but provide additional and increased enthusiasm and support in the community.  If a scheme was established it would make a good platform for external funding for the initiative.

How would the Tree Policy complement the Authority’s Environmental Strategy – It was noted that it was an essential part to support and complement delivery, ensuring the best use of trees in the Council’s care and that they were used to support the net increase in carbon stored with the right trees being planted in the right place.  It was acknowledged that hedges were more appropriate and useful in certain situations creating better environmental benefits.

It was stressed that all officers would need to be aware of the policy and decision pathway.

Local Authority’s commitment towards equality  - Members were reminded that due regard and equality duty was embedded in the Local Authority’s daily work.  It was stressed that the approach taken would include risk management, for example for people who used mobility scooters, a considered approach would be taken towards tree management including creative and alternative methods.  It was noted that officers had met with local access groups to address this specific issue. Members stressed the requirement for a balanced approach and risk assessment that ensured residents were able to use safe level pathways in areas that were affected by tree growth and roots;

It was also stressed that it was important, particularly for everyone’s positive mental health during the current pandemic restrictions, that all people had access to nature.

Tree management – It was explained that resources available including practices and equipment had been identified in Street Scene to ensure that vegetation was correctly maintained and would not create a nuisance.

Members highlighted the importance of expanding the Council’s tree stock (planting and establishing the right trees in the right places), including current and proposed housing and industrial developments.  The Panel stressed that the benefit of trees and hedgerows particularly for wildlife habitats and bird population but also “greening up” the Borough’s high streets.

Targets for tree planting – it was noted that the Policy does not include a set tree planting target.  It was acknowledged that the climate commission looked at two levels of tree planting that needed to be translated locally.  One was to follow the Government’s  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.