Issue - meetings

That Cabinet approve:

a)      the introduction of spray-free weed management zones across 34 council-owned playgrounds, including housing playground areas;

b)      the continuation of glyphosate use in targeted operational areas where alternative methods are not viable or would pose safety risks;

c)       the adoption of mechanical and manual weed control methods, including the use of NoMix Dual applicator systems where herbicide use is still required; and

d)      a review of the operational and financial impacts, including any additional labour costs, herbicide savings and site condition assessments, to enable a decision to be made about whether the approach becomes business as usual from April 2027.

The Director - Communities & Environment presented a report which sought approval for a proposed pilot program to reduce the use of glyphosate-based herbicides across Newark & Sherwood District owned playgrounds and housing owned playground areas from April 2026 to the end of March 2027. The proposal focused on introducing spray-free zones across approximately 34 playground sites, while maintaining a targeted weed management approach where required to ensure public safety and site usability. The Cabinet referred to the importance of engagement with residents and monitoring the success of the pilot.

AGREED     (unanimously) that Cabinet approve:

a)           the introduction of spray-free weed management zones across 34 council-owned playgrounds, including housing playground areas;

b)          the continuation of glyphosate use in targeted operational areas where alternative methods are not viable or would pose safety risks;

c)           the adoption of mechanical and manual weed control methods, including the use of NoMix Dual applicator systems where herbicide use is still required; and

d)          a review of the operational and financial impacts, including any additional labour costs, herbicide savings and site condition assessments, to enable a decision to be made about whether the approach becomes business as usual from April 2027.

Reasons for Decision:

The introduction of spray-free zones within playground environments will provide visible evidence of the Council’s commitment to reducing chemical use, whilst still maintaining operational practicality. The introduction of spray-free zones within playground environments provides a balanced and proportionate approach to reducing the Council’s reliance on glyphosate-based herbicides while maintaining safe and accessible public spaces.

Playgrounds represent some of the most sensitive and highly visible areas within the Council’s public realm, frequently used by children and families. Removing routine herbicide application in these locations supports the precautionary principle, responds to increasing public concern regarding chemical use in recreational areas, and demonstrates the Council’s commitment to environmentally responsible land management.

The proposal builds upon the Council’s existing spray-free areas and forms part of a wider strategy to gradually reduce glyphosate use across the district. By focusing reductions within targeted locations, the Council can continue to manage operational risks such as trip hazards, accessibility issues and excessive vegetation growth while still progressing towards environmental and sustainability objectives.

The proposed approach can be delivered within existing operational resources and will contribute towards a measurable reduction in annual glyphosate usage across the district.

Options Considered:

Consideration was given to maintaining the current weed management programme using glyphosate across all operational sites.

While this approach remains the most cost-effective and operationally efficient method of weed control, there has been increasing public concern regarding herbicide use in sensitive locations such as playgrounds and residential areas.

An alternative option of eliminating glyphosate across all council land was also considered.  However, this was not recommended due to:

A.      Significant increases in labour costs

B.      Reduced weed control effectiveness

C.      Potential deterioration in site standards and safety

D.      Increased carbon emissions associated with repeated mechanical treatments

Therefore, a targeted reduction approach focused on highly visible and sensitive areas such as playgrounds has been proposed  ...  view the full minutes text for item 380