Issue - meetings

To consider the Interim Climate Change Planning Policy.

RESOLVED to approve the Interim Climate Change Planning Policy document as non-statutory development management guidance.

Councillor Pepper presented the report on the Interim Climate Change Planning Policy. She thanked officers, residents and cross party members for their efforts in producing the policy. She said the primary reasons for the delay in presenting the document was due to Covid-19 and the lack of resources available. She said there was now a climate change budget of £1 million to cover costs over the next three years. She said the policy before Cabinet included robust green measures to protect the local environment and these correlated with the Council’s green objectives. Essex County Council had endorsed the document and had cited Uttlesford District Council as a leader against climate change.

The Policy was proposed by Councillor Pepper, and duly seconded by Councillor Eke.

Councillor Eke said sustainable transport would be an important element of future development in the district. He said the focus should not just be on electric but also on other non-fossil fuels such as hydrogen.

In response, Councillor Pepper said sustainable mode of travel would be part of the Uttlesford Climate Strategy.

The Policy was approved unanimously.

RESOLVED to approve the Interim Climate Change Planning Policy document as non-statutory development management guidance.