Trees and the Public Realm - Westminster City Council
Trees and the Public Realm - Westminster City Council
Trees and the Public Realm - Westminster City Council
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<strong>Trees</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Public</strong> <strong>Realm</strong> (Draft) Page 5<br />
Foreword<br />
The <strong>City</strong> of <strong>Westminster</strong> lies at <strong>the</strong> heart of <strong>the</strong> nation’s capital <strong>and</strong> its trees in <strong>the</strong> public<br />
realm make a significant contribution to London’s reputation as one of <strong>the</strong> world’s<br />
greenest cities. Beyond aes<strong>the</strong>tics, trees also make environmental contributions to our<br />
city – <strong>the</strong>y sequester carbon dioxide <strong>and</strong> release oxygen, shade buildings <strong>and</strong> streets,<br />
<strong>and</strong> provide a psychological link to nature by signifying <strong>the</strong> change in seasons <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
passage of time.<br />
This is a draft Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) that has been developed as<br />
part of <strong>the</strong> council’s Local Development Framework (LDF). It is intended to define <strong>the</strong><br />
council’s approach towards <strong>the</strong> planting of trees in <strong>the</strong> public realm <strong>and</strong> seeks to<br />
ensure that <strong>the</strong> city maintains its tree cover <strong>and</strong> increases it wherever practically<br />
possible with due regard to <strong>the</strong> townscape principles set out in this document .<br />
Toge<strong>the</strong>r with <strong>the</strong> council’s existing guidance ‘<strong>Trees</strong> <strong>and</strong> O<strong>the</strong>r Planting on<br />
Development Sites’ <strong>the</strong>se two documents form <strong>Westminster</strong>’s overall Tree Strategy.<br />
This document also establishes <strong>the</strong> basis for working with partner organisations<br />
including Royal Parks Agency, Transport for London, English Heritage, <strong>the</strong> amenity<br />
societies, residents <strong>and</strong> businesses – all of whom have important roles to play in<br />
achieving <strong>the</strong> council’s goal to improve <strong>Westminster</strong>’s environment. Toge<strong>the</strong>r we will<br />
ensure that <strong>Westminster</strong>’s tree stock is planted in accordance with contemporary<br />
arboricultural best practice, <strong>and</strong> with careful consideration of its relationship with<br />
townscape, amenity <strong>and</strong> biodiversity.<br />
<strong>Council</strong>lor Robert Davis DL<br />
Deputy Leader <strong>and</strong> Cabinet Member for Built Environment