The report sought approval for Brentwood Council officers to progress a business case to create a new woodland through planting trees in part of Hutton Country Park to create a woodland for residents and increase carbon capture.

A motion was MOVED by Cllr Hossack and SECONDED by Cllr Kerslake to agree the recommendations in the report.

Following a discussion a vote was taken by a show of hands and it was RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY that

1.    A business case be developed which will consider the development of a woodland at Hutton Country Park including consultation.

2.    A public consultation be undertaken as part of the business case development and the outcome be reported back to a future meeting.

Reasons for Recommendation

Demonstrates the Council’s commitment to improving the environment by seeking to develop environmentally beneficial projects. Further that the woodland project could be mainly grant funded so it appears there could be little impact to the budget.