Issue - meetings

Report of the Cabinet Member Clean and Green Environment

RESOLVED THAT

1. Option 2 be approved, i.e retain seasonal bedding in the Long Garden and Imperial Gardens, change to perennial planting in all other locations over a phased period of 3 years.
2. Further work and consultation be undertaken in respect of the Imperial Gardens and the Long Gardens.

The Cabinet Member Clean and Green Environment introduced the report which outlined proposals to adopt an alternative planting strategy for Cheltenham’s public realm. The report considered the business case for the change in approach which compared three options for the council’s future planting strategy. Each option assessed the community, economic, environmental, legal, HR and technological implications. A detailed financial assessment of each option was also provided. He was grateful to the petition which had been debated in council in October and which had led to further work being undertaken on the options. He also made reference to the petition submitted in favour of the proposals. He therefore recognised the importance of the planting regime to people in the borough.

He went on to explain that in bringing forward the proposals the council had considered the aspirations of the town centre going forward and the future of the council’s nursery. He stressed however that it was not all about money but the life and times of the town, informed by public debate. He believed the recommendations were sensible and if adopted they would enable the change of planting regime in some parks and gardens with sustainable planting in a more structured and  planned manner. The existing regime in Imperial Gardens and the Long Garden would be retained with further work and consultation proposed in respect of those Gardens. He stated that at the proposals were right for Cheltenham at this time. The financial implications were however clear and there were reasons for further work but with the caveat of more consultation. The council was committed to listen going forward and recognising the strong feelings of the public.

The Leader added that the public debate had been interesting and useful. He highlighted that the council used to enter the Britain in Bloom competition but no longer entered as it did not have sufficient sustainable planting to qualify.

In response to a question on whether it would be reasonable within the limitations to plant roses in places in the Long Gardens or other forms of brightly flowering perennials the Cabinet Member said that initial advice would be sought from experts within the spirit of the decision. The council did however have to be careful when handling sensitive areas.

Finally, the Cabinet Member Clean and Green Environment wished to put on record his thanks to those officers involved in preparing the report on the planting regime and responses prepared for Overview and Scrutiny and the Council debate.

RESOLVED THAT

1. Option 2 be approved, i.e retain seasonal bedding in the Long Garden and Imperial Gardens, change to perennial planting in all other locations over a phased period of 3 years.
2. Further work and consultation be undertaken in respect of the Imperial Gardens and the Long Gardens.