Agenda item

To receive the report of the Biodiversity & Green Spaces Officer.

The Committee received the report of the Biodiversity & Green Spaces Officer (B&GSO) which provided an update on the work to improve the towns biodiversity across its green spaces.

Members heard about the plans to establish wildflower areas at eight sites. The Committee asked that these be larger in size than previous years and for consideration to be given to the height of the potential growth so as not to impact the vision of both pedestrian and vehicles at roundabouts or junctions.

The Committee heard that Officers had been exploring the sponsorship of roundabouts to offset some of the cost of the wildflower planting, Members were agreeable to this being explored further providing relevant due diligence was carried out.

The subject of No Mow May arose and opinions were offered by Members, it was explained by the B&GSO that there was a huge benefit from the scheme however, it was imperative to get the process correct so as not to leave areas looking unkempt and affecting vision displays at junctions. The past had shown that with WODC and OCC having reduced cutting schedules it was areas under their ownership which reflected negatively on the Town Council in the eyes of residents and visitors to the town.

Members agreed that communications from the Council should be improved to provide details of when, where and why the Council was cutting or not cutting particular areas.

The Committee considered two matters in relation to tree works; they were supportive of the Council’s tree policy however asked that a pragmatic approach be taken in cases where potential damage to property could occur and asked officers to review the policy.

Lastly, Members considered the Biodiversity Policy, the document had also been considered by the Policy, Governance & Finance Committee the previous day and a recommendation made to include details of the employment of the council’s Biodiversity & Green Spaces Officer. Members were unanimously in agreement with the recommendation to adopt the policy

Resolved:

1.      That, the report and verbal update be noted and,

2.      That, the Council support the principles of No Mow May in selected areas with increased communication and,

3.      That, delegation be provided to officers to establish wildflower areas and,

4.      That, Sponsorship at roundabouts be supported and explored further and,

5.      That, the request to remove or reduce the size of a healthy tree as outlined in the report be refused and,

6.      That, Officers review the Council Tree Policy to provide greater clarity on the reasoning for its decision-making processes and,

7.      That, subject to the amendment recommended at Policy, Governance & Finance on 25 November 2024 that the Biodiversity Policy be adopted.