We generally support this paragraph and note that many of the policies in the Local Plan 2030 are to remain unchanged. We would like you to consider particularly the role which trees and woods can play in tackling both the climate and biodiversity emergencies. Trees can sequester carbon from the atmosphere through photosynthesis and can also aid adaptation in a number of ways, including alleviation of surface water flooding and shading to reduce the impact of the urban heat island effect in hot summer weather.

We would like you to consider whether there is a need to adopt higher targets for tree and woodland planting and one thing we have suggested previously is extending the requirement for 30% tree canopy cover in new development across the whole borough: currently this only applies in the Forest of Marston Vale.