Axe falls on tree policy

Published: 24th June, 2011

• THE unnecessary felling of two of Richmond Avenue’s historic plane trees in Barnsbury, in breach of the council’s own tree policy 14, not only raises the question of who should pay for subsidence – underpinning the property would have saved the trees (Forget the bottom line, just treasure our precious trees, June 17). It puts the council’s ward partnership and delegated authority scheme centre stage of decision-making in the borough.

The scheme has replaced area committees and, as understood, authorises the relevant departmental council boss to decide on proposed council action, particularly when agreement can’t be reached with/between residents and councillors.

On first reading, this may appear a sensible move, enabling senior council officers to interpret particularly controversial proposals in a neutral manner against clear council policy. 

Looked at this way, there’d be no room for party political shenanigans which, many would surely agree, we need less of in Islington.

On closer inspection, however, delegated authority looks more like passing the buck, letting elected members off the hook on highly-charged decisions. The fate of the Richmond Avenue trees is a case in point. 

The executive member for the environment ignored requests to intervene and take responsibility for the decision himself.

The council’s new tree policy, of which he is architect, has proved unfit for purpose, with policies on subsidence and felling colliding at the first hurdle. 

Despite his telling assertion that “People are more important than trees”, the senior councillor and deputy leader of the council has failed both, allowing corporate finance – lawyers and insurance – to trump public amenity.

Cost to the council taxpayer will be doubtless be cited as the reason. Ironic, given the appalling neglect of a Richmond Avenue council freehold.
Meg Howarth
Ellington Street, N7