Issue details

West Sussex Tree Plan

The trees of West Sussex are a valuable and essential element of the urban and rural landscape, contributing significantly to the character of the county, as well as providing other economic, social, and environmental benefits, all of which contribute to quality of life. 

 

The County Council is responsible for established woodland and individual trees on its landholdings which includes highway land, school sites, country parks, tenanted land, residential homes and other properties such as offices.

 

Against a backdrop of changing national policy and legislation, the pressure for new housing and other development, emerging new pests and diseases, and the effects of climate change, the West Sussex Tree Plan will address how the County Council should undertake its statutory duties and responsibilities with regard to trees and how it should operate as a landowner.

 

The Plan will seek to ensure that the trees within the County Council’s ownership are maintained, protected, and improved for current and future generations.  It will also seek to influence how the wider tree resource within the county is managed and improved. 

 

Although the focus of the Plan will be on delivery over the next five years, the strategic aims will provide a framework for the County Council over the medium and longer-term. 

Decision type: Key

Reason Key: Affects more than 1 division;

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Divisions affected: (All Divisions);

Notice of proposed decision first published: 21/09/2020

Decision due: November 2020 by Cabinet Member for Environment

Lead member: Councillor Deborah Urquhart deborah.urquhart@westsussex.gov.uk

Contact: Don Baker, Team Manager, Environment and Heritage Email: don.baker@westsussex.gov.uk Tel: 033 022 26439.

Consultation process

Representations concerning this proposed decision can be made to the Cabinet Member Environment, via the officer contact, by the beginning of the month in which the decision is due to be taken.

 

Consultees

District & Borough Councils

South Downs National Park Authority

Sussex Wildlife Trust

Woodland Trust

Forestry Commission

Sussex Nature Partnership

Tree Council

Large estates in West Sussex.

Environment and Communities Scrutiny Committee, 25 November 2020

 

Democratic Services Contact: Judith Shore Tel: 033 022 26052

Background3: A Strong, Safe and Sustainable Place

Decisions

Agenda items

Background papers

  • None