Issue - meetings

That the committee approved the policy subject to the amendment suggested by Councillor Mike Peers

In presenting the report the Chief Officer (Planning Environment & Economy) explained that currently there was no policy in place for memorials placed on the highway network or on council land.  He felt this policy struck the correct balance between the initial cost, long term maintenance and consideration of location as this was a sensitive issue.

            The Service Manager (Countryside Access and Natural Environment) reported that within countryside sites and opens spaces requests had been received from members of the public for a commemorative bench or tree to be planted in memory of a loved one.  Over the last few years these requests had increased significantly and had led to concerns that open spaces were not turned into memorial gardens.  This was a sensitive issue and the council had to be mindful of families and their circumstances.

            The purpose of this policy was to work with families in a sensitive way and consider all options when it came to memorials in addition to benches, such as  planting a tree or section of hedgerow, stiles or donate a gate which were also considered in country parks.   Referring to highway memorials the Service Manager (Countryside Access and Natural Environment) said these were slightly different as safety had to be considered because of the distraction for drivers.  This policy would enable officers to speak to the families to ensure a positive outcome was achieved.   There were also funding issues which had to be considered to include the initial purchase, maintenance and refurbishment of the item which should be borne by the applicant.   He then reported on the sensitivity required when families met to release balloons which was an issue as they release plastic and litter into the countryside.  Discussions with families would take place to find alternative ways for families to mark family members’ passing.

            In response to questions on planting memorial trees and balloon releases from Councillor Dan Rose, the Service Manager (Countryside Access and Natural Environment) confirmed that families could plant trees.  There were risks to this which had to be discussed with the family such as trees dying during drought conditions, suffering vandalism and they had to be maintained.  He was not in favour of plaques but a commemorative book at visitor centres or online could be used to record this.  Referring to balloon releases he said it was difficult for his officers to approach a grieving family to ask them not to release the balloons.  Publicising and providing information on the risks of doing this was the way forward

            Councillor Dan Rose asked if bio-degradable plaques would be considered as a short-term measure which the Service Manager (Countryside Access and Natural Environment) confirmed that he would be agreeable to considering.

            Councillor Roy Wakelam suggested families be encouraged to leave unwrapped flowers tied with twine.  In response the Service Manager (Countryside Access and Natural Environment) said rotting, composting flowers still had to be removed and maybe suggesting that fresh flowers were left unwrapped but had to be removed within two weeks  ...  view the full minutes text for item 57