20 April 2023
The Minister for Environment, Deputy Jonathan Renouf, has extended a consultation on proposed
tree protection process and exceptions for a further two weeks.
The consultation is now open until Sunday 7 May, details of the consultation are on the website.
The Minister is particularly seeking views on what work should be defined as ‘routine tree
management’ and therefore allowed to continue without the need for planning permission.
Other issues that have been raised as a result of the consultation so far include whether trees in the
built-up area (as defined in the Bridging Island Plan) should have a greater level of protection than
those in the countryside, and whether work on large areas of woodland should be controlled under
‘tree management plans’, rather than by applications for each individual operation.
Paper versions of the consultation are available in all parish halls for Islanders to complete and
send as a written submission.
In 2022, the States Assembly approved plans to better protect trees by bringing works to them
under the definition of development within Jersey’s Planning and Building Law.
When the revised law comes into effect, some operations to or on trees will require permission
before they can proceed. A list of exceptions will specify which operations can go ahead without
permission.
Minister for Environment, Deputy Jonathan Renouf, said: “Following feedback from tree surgeons
and those working in the industry, I have extended the consultation on tree protection process by
another two weeks to ensure everyone has the opportunity to share their views and suggestions.
“I’d like to reassure those who are concerned about the proposals that I do aim for the policy to
enable most routine tree work to continue as before, without the need for planning permission.
While this is a framework for stronger protection for all trees in the Island, we will be putting
together a series of exceptions to the policy - which I ask Islanders to review and input on in the
consultation.
“I am keen to hear more views on how we might define ‘routine tree management’ and I do
acknowledge that the proposals for exceptions which are currently listed are too narrow – please
be reassured that this is not the final exhaustive list. The consultation seeks feedback on this, and
the list of exceptions will undoubtedly be revised once we have been able to review all the
responses.”
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