Executive approval sought on tree management plan for North Northamptonshire
Environment13 January 2026
At next week’s meeting of North Northamptonshire Council’s Executive, Councillors will be asked to approve an updated Tree Management Policy.
If approved, the updated policy will ensure that the council manages its vast and diverse tree stock responsibly, sustainably and efficiently, in accordance with statutory duties and best practice.
The policy follows on from the previously approved Tree Management and Care Policy. The previous policy was mainly focussed on harmonising standards from the previous sovereign councils. The new policy builds on this, placing a greater emphasis on factors including legal compliance and biosecurity at a more detailed level.
As a major landowner and the local highways authority for North Northamptonshire, the council is responsible for the care and management of trees on its land, the public highways and for ensuring the safety of its residents.
Working alongside the council’s existing Tree Planting Strategy and the Local Nature Recovery Strategy, the policy aims to:
- Reduce risk to the public from potential hazards
- Specify the council’s policy on levels and standards of tree care
- Ensure efficient use of resources
- Increase public awareness of the value of trees within the environment
The policy will also go alongside the new council’s new Network Management Plan - also being discussed by the Executive next week.
As a landowner alongside the local highways authority, we have a huge responsibility for the North Northants area - including the management of trees.Cllr Ken Harrington, the council’s Executive Member for Assets, Waste and Environmental Services
The policy outlines a proactive, risk-based approach to tree management, whilst ensuring public safety and promoting biodiversity.
If approved, the policy will ensure that we have a consistent approach to tree management across the entirety of our vast and diverse tree stock and I look forward to discussing the policy with my fellow Councillors.
As councillors, we know and appreciate how much residents across the area respect and value the trees in their communities and green spaces. This plan brings everything together in one place which, if approved, will be a working document and adapt as we move forward alongside the work on a new local plan for North Northamptonshire.Cllr Martin Griffiths, Leader of North Northamptonshire Council
North Northamptonshire Council’s Executive will meet on Tuesday 20 January at 10am at the Corby Cube and the papers are now available online. The meeting will be livestreamed on YouTube.