Leeds AGS response to the consultation document
Towards a Leeds Forest Strategy

16th June 2006

[Note: The consultation document is available from the Leeds City Council website (download link is on the right)]

In this submission we have put forward a number of concrete steps that will increase the benefits of trees to the citizens of Leeds. Inevitably such steps would involve a number of other departments and agencies but such an approach is the only serious way of improving the situation in our city.

Sustainability

This should fit in with the overall sustainability strategy for the city and should be approached scientifically.

The city needs to assess the CO₂ output of the city and how many trees are needed to offset this. This should include retail, motoring, manufacturing and flying as well as domestic output.

Therefore there would need to be specific planting to deal with the airport, planes using Leeds airspace, garages etc.

It is very important that a proper analysis is made of output to enable a properly costed response.

Where possible those generating CO₂ should be responsible for the financial implications, maintenance and replacement of the extra trees. For instance Leeds Bradford Airport should be responsible for the CO₂ output from the aircraft using it. It would obtain the money from a suitable raising of the landing fee. Such an approach makes it impossible to sell off the airport as a private owner would be completely committed to expanding profit.

Health Benefits

If the health benefits quoted in the documents are correct, and we believe they are, there are major implications for the city.

Hospitals

None of the major changes at St James or the LGI are about increasing the amount of visible greenery for patients. The council should oppose all such developments. Instead it should work with the health authorities to produce patient-friendly wards. One suggestion would be the reorganisation of the hospitals in order to take advantage of the green space on the Seacroft hospital site.

The city centre

None of the flat developments in the city centre have expanded the amount of greenery available. Planning permission should be routinely refused unless projects incorporate the right amount of greenery.

There should also be a general examination of the centre to develop a number of mini-parks and squares to increase the amount of greenery in the centre.

Looked after children and elderly people

Accommodation for looked-after children, all accommodation for elderly people and convalescent homes should be assessed on the amount of greenery for the residents. Planning guidelines should be drawn up to reflect the scientific research on the health and educational benefits of trees and greenery.

Highways

Trees are an important part of the highway environment helping to offset car emissions and improving the urban environment. Unfortunately highways appear to treat trees as some kind of nuisance. The forest strategy has to include an expansion of roadside planting along with a proper programme of renewal and maintenance.

Flooding and water retention

We support the statements in the draft document over the importance of trees in the prevention of flooding and in water retention. We would therefore call for a systematic planting strategy across the city starting with those areas most at risk.

Integral to all the proposals is the acceptance of the need for frequent and systematic maintenance and, where necessary, replacement of trees, shrubbery and greenery in a way that is sympathetic to the wildlife it supports.