To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the loss of street trees was in urban areas in each of the last 10 years. (133405)

A survey of trees in urban areas in England carried out in 2004-05 indicated an overall increase in the number of street trees compared with the situation in 1992. The report of the survey ‘Trees in Towns II’ produced by ADAS and Myerscough College will be published shortly. Copies will be deposited in the House Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what steps are being taken to preserve street trees in cities. (133406)

Local authorities are encouraged to produce tree strategies to promote the planting, maintenance and protection of trees in their areas, including street trees and to use current best practice. Local authorities also have powers to make tree preservation orders to protect trees where it is considered expedient in the interests of amenity.

To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what steps are being taken to ensure the implementation by local authorities of the European Landscape Convention, in particular Articles 5(b), 5(c) and Article 6, in relation to street trees. (133407)

National planning policies, including Planning Policy Statement 1: Delivering Sustainable Development, already recognise the need to provide appropriate protection and enhancement of urban landscapes, which will include street trees, in England, in line with the principal aims of the European Landscape Convention.