Issue - meetings
Grass Cutting Policy
Meeting: 07/03/2023 - Environment & Economy Overview & Scrutiny Committee (Item 65)
65 Grass Cutting Policy 
PDF 123 KB
Additional documents:
- Appendix 1 - Grass Cutting Policy, item 65
PDF 251 KB
- Appendix 2 - Grass Cutting Policy, item 65
PDF 83 KB
- Appendix 3 - Grass Cutting Policy, item 65
PDF 18 MB
- Webcast for Grass Cutting Policy
Decision:
RESOLVED:
(a) That the work undertaken to date and the opportunities to increase biodiversity in managing our road verges and amenity grasslands be supported; and
(b) That the proposed changes to the grass cutting policy and the targeted reduction in the use of pesticides be supported.
Minutes:
The Chief Officer (Streetscene and Transportation) presented the report to advise the Committee of the revised Grass Cutting Policy following an all-member workshop, which was jointly held in January 2023 by the Streetscene & Transportation and Planning, Environment & Economy portfolios. She provided background information and explained that the purpose of the report was to provide an overview of the work undertaken to date by both portfolios and to consider the opportunities for policy review in the future. In addition, the report also included an update on the performance of the grass cutting operational service during 2022.
The Biodiversity Officer, Highway Network Manager, and Streetscene Supervisor, jointly reported on the main considerations as detailed in the report.
Councillor Bernie Attridge congratulated the Chief Officer and her team on the overall improvements in the grass cutting service. He also commented on some of the remaining concerns he had around tenants gardens and cited grass cutting in small areas belonging to sheltered housing as an example.
In response to the comments and questions raised by Councillor Richard Lloyd around maintenance of areas next to garages, the Chief Officer explained that the maintenance of garage areas belonging to social housing came under the remit of the Housing Service.
The recommendations in the report were moved and seconded by Councillors Bernie Attridge and Mike Allport.
RESOLVED:
(a) That the work undertaken to date and the opportunities to increase biodiversity in managing our road verges and amenity grasslands be supported; and
(b) That the proposed changes to the grass cutting policy and the targeted reduction in the use of pesticides be supported.