Council executive to discuss 'risk-based' approach to North Northamptonshire trees

At next week’s NNC executive meeting, councillors will be asked to approve an updated ‘Tree Management Policy’.

The new document follows on from the previously approved Tree Management and Care Policy that had focused on harmonising legacy councils.

It is promising a ‘proactive, risk-based approach to tree management’, to ‘ensure public safety’ and ‘promote biodiversity’ and support ‘climate resilience’.

Cllr Ken Harrington, the council’s executive member for assets, waste and environmental services, said: “As a landowner alongside the local highways authority, we have a huge responsibility for the North Northants area - including the management of trees.

“The policy outlines a proactive, risk-based approach to tree management, whilst ensuring public safety and promoting biodiversity.

“If approved, the policy will ensure that we have a consistent approach to tree management across the entirety of our vast and diverse tree stock and I look forward to discussing the policy with my fellow councillors.”

As a major landowner and the local highways authority for North Northamptonshire, the council is responsible for the care and management of trees on its land, the public highways and for ensuring the safety of its residents.

Cllr Martin Griffiths, leader of North Northants Council, added: “As councillors, we know and appreciate how much residents across the area respect and value the trees in their communities and green spaces. This plan brings everything together in one place which, if approved, will be a working document and adapt as we move forward alongside the work on a new local plan for North Northamptonshire.”

North Northants Council’s executive will meet on Tuesday, January 20 at 10am at the Corby Cube and the papers are now available online. The meeting will be livestreamed on YouTube.