Jersey tree protection law changes delayed

Members of the tree management industry had described the original plans as too strict

New plans to protect trees in Jersey have been put on pause by the environment minister.

There was opposition to Jonathan Renouf's plans to make people get planning permission to cut down trees that were above a certain diameter.

He said he had decided to reconsider the proposals after consultations led to revision work on some of the details.

Deputy Renouf said he wanted to give States members more time to find out more about the plans. He said he would defer any vote on them in the States until early in 2024.

The planned legislation, due to be debated this month, included requiring workers to notify authorities of certain activities that may require planning permission.

But it has been undergoing "significant revisions" after those in the industry called original plans "too strict".

Changes already put forward have included the threshold for the government to be informed about work on trees being increased from 8cm (3.1in) to 25cm (9.8in).

Deputy Renouf said: “Having had a number of conversations regarding the trees proposition, it has become clear that States members would like to engage in the details of the proposal in much greater depth.

“To ensure there is sufficient time to examine the fine details of the proposals, I have decided to defer the proposition until the new year.

"This will allow for full engagement with members.”