Agenda item

The Community Resources Manager presented the report and drew attention to the following:

Replacement Tree Planting

a.      The Committee was asked to note that the cost of replacement tree planting had been increased from the 2013 rate of £765.21 to £1,041.66.

b.      Tree Bristol confirmed that the unit cost of replacement tree planting had been held for the last nine years, but this costing could no longer be maintained, due to rising costs, and the relevant Retail Price Index increase to tree replacement had been applied.

In discussion the following points were raised:

c.       The budget for replacement tree planning was held in a revenue reserve account to cover the cost of a tree for its whole life from planting to end of life. 

d.      Developers were already paying the increased indexed rate so the Area Committee budget was not being adversely impacted.

Ombudsman Complaint

e.      The Committee was advised that a complaint by a Bristol resident to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman regarding, transparency around funding criteria and decision-making processes had been upheld in part.

f.        The Council agreed to ensure that the reasons for rejecting outline proposals at stage one meetings were clearly recorded and published on the Council’s website.

g.       In discussion, Members considered that the stage one meetings should be held in public and understood that the implications of a proposed change would need to be considered strategically across all Area Committees.

Action: Officers to escalate this as a formal proposal and consider implementation across all Area Committees.

CIL and Section 106 Monies available to Area Committee 1 at 30th June 2022

h.      There was an overall sum of £240,481.47available to Area Committee 1, which breaks down as follows:

·       General AC1 expenditure: £103,346.79.

·       For Lawrence Weston ND Plan expenditure: £137,134.68

·       Section 106 available: a total of £84,764.27uncommitted Section 106 agreement monies, of which £59,062.59 is designated specifically for tree planting and tree replacement.

i.        It was noted that there were no time-limited S106 at risk if not allocated.

Update on Outstanding  AC1 allocations

Brunel Lock Swing Bridge:

j.        Members considered the Brunel Lock Swing Bridge proposal update and clarified that that the current allocation of £25k was still sufficient to complete the project with match funding from Historic England, as this had been confirmed in writing.

RESOLVED: That the Committee approves the allocation of £25,000 of CIL in the light of the match funding by Historic England

Avon Crescent Re-routing:

k.       Members heard from members of the public who had submitted public forum and were in attendance.

In discussion the following points were raised:

l.        There was a great deal of frustration due to what appeared to be a lack of information available to residents and stakeholders about the timescales and requirements to progress the works.

m.    There was significant complexity to the scheme which included questions regarding an outstanding planning condition, the street’s Grade II listed status, additional conditions imposed due to the implementation of the air quality zone, and the Avon Cut works.

n.      It was agreed that more information was required to fully understand the current position and it was suggested that officers be asked to clarify what practical action and next steps would be needed to progress the project.

Action: Officers to provide the Committee with an update on the current position and a clear understanding of next steps to secure a workable solution.

2022 Stage 2 Full Project Proposals: for decision

o.      Members considered the Tree Bristol Planting proposal submitted and in discussion noted that other tree planting plots would come forward in November including an additional replacement tree pit at Redland Hill.

RESOLVED: to thank John from Tree Bristol Team for their tree planting work in Area Committee 1 locations.

RESOLVED to approve full funding of £15,363.71 to deliver this project which included allocation of remaining S106 (£83.46) as additional support to maintenance.