Agenda item

Report of the Director of City Services and Commercial

To consider the above petition bearing 55 signatures.  The petition is being sponsored by Councillor J Gardiner, a Sherbourne Ward Councillor, who has been invited to the meeting for the consideration of this item along with the Petition Organiser.

The Cabinet Member for Policing and Equalities considered a report of the Director of City Service and Commercial, which responded to a petition calling for the Council to consult with residents on Lake View Road on the location and number of trees to be planted on Lake View Park.

The petition contained 55 signatures and had been submitted by local residents who were asking for greater consultation on the planting of new trees that affect the view of Lake View Park from the properties that face the park.

The report indicated that the Park Services Team worked with the Urban Forestry Team to find the best location for the trees on this site and the open northern side of the park was considered the best option, because the trees would provide shading for a future path that was proposed and awaiting funding.

Due to resourcing problems, the Urban Forestry Team had overlooked the need to notify the local residents of this change.  Residents in similar locations where trees were being planted had received notification in advance of the trees being planted.

The trees were being planted to help the Council achieve its goals as set out in the Urban Forestry Strategy. The main aim was to plant 360,000 trees to help fight the effects of climate change.

Councillor Gardiner spoke in support of the petition highlighting the following points:

·  The lack of consultation was unacceptable, particularly considering other communities were consulted over similar changes, furthermore the lack of consultation was due to budget constraints, but this should not impede further consultation efforts.

·  Previous works had left large mounds of dirt covered with weeds, this combined with the newly planted trees severely limited views of the park from houses on Lake View Road.

·  The lack of visibility from houses meant an increase in crime and dog waste as residents were less able to monitor and report such incidents.

·  The lack of visibility and changes to the park had removed the specific character and beauty of the park, resulting in some residents to drive to other nearby parks as a result.

·  Residents would rather self-select methods of communication with the council instead of using the Lake View Trust.

Officers responded to clarify the following points:

·  The lack of consultation was due to a genuine officer error during a period of staffing changes and not due to budget constraints and that, during the early stages of the installation process, there had been efforts to consult with local communities.

·  It was not legally possible to remove the mounds of dirt offsite, however, the removal of weeds would significantly improve visibility across the park.

·  Any increase in incidents of dog waste not being picked up should be reported to the Council so that dog enforcement patrols could be increased.

·  An increase in reported crime at the park had not been identified.  However, officers would consider the impact of any future developments at the park and make attempts to address perceived safety concerns.

·  Efforts were being made to consult with local communities on future changes to the area.  Currently the area was being moved from close mown lawns to mixed trees and rewilded flower areas, along with more traditional lawns and grass.

Concerns were also raised by Councillor Gardiner over the alleged increase in crime being caused by foreign born individuals.  This perception was refuted by officers who stated there was no evidence of an increase in crime or that any crime was being committed by foreign born individuals, particularly as a consequence of the additional trees planted at Lake View Park.

RESOLVED that, the Cabinet Member for Policing and Equalities:

1.  Notes the Petitioners’ concerns.

2.  Approves the retention of the trees as they have been planted, noting that the council will manage the trees to maximise the future benefits that they can provide.

3.  Requests that officers improve the method of notification to ensure that all future planting projects are known to all residents in advance of planting works.