Issue - meetings

To consider the Draft Climate Change Strategy.

To consider the Draft Climate Change Strategy.

Councillor Pepper summarised the report relating to the Uttlesford Climate Change Strategy and thanked Members and officers for their help in preparing the document. She said an Action Plan would follow, which would provide measures of success and add further detail to the Strategy, and this had been delayed due to the welcomed news that £1 million had been allocated to fight climate change over the next three years. She proposed approval of the Strategy.

Councillor Pavitt seconded the proposal and said he had worked closely with Councillor Pepper and he admired her dedication to the task at hand. This was a complicated and fast changing subject and this Strategy was a great beginning.

In response to a question from Councillor Barker relating to the cost of a dedicated Climate Change officer, the Director – Finance and Corporate Resources said the role was currently being evaluated and details could be shared once the cost was known.

In response to a question from Councillor Barker relating to the reduction in the Council’s carbon footprint since staff were working from home, Councillor Pepper said she would respond in writing.

Members discussed the Strategy and there was broad support for the proposal.

Councillor Gregory said he looked forward to receiving the action plan at Scrutiny; he said clear objectives and measurements of success were essential.

Councillor Khan said the carbon reduction figures were contained in the document.

In response to a comment from Councillor Armstrong regarding potholes, Councillor Barker raised a point of clarification and said tarmac and concrete were not environmentally friendly materials but such materials were required to endure heavy use and resist the weather.

Councillor Pepper made her concluding statement; she said this had been a huge undertaking and said she was proud of the cross party working practices that had led to the Strategy. She said expert advice would be sought in terms of how best to spend money to combat climate change, and asked Members to support the proposal.

The proposal was carried unanimously.

RESOLVED to approve the draft Climate Change Strategy set out in Appendix 1.

To consider the Draft Climate Change Strategy.

RESOLVED to recommend to Council the draft Climate Change Strategy set out in Appendix 1 for approval

Councillor Pepper presented the report on the Uttlesford Climate Change Strategy. The Strategy outlined the key climate issues relating to green infrastructure, skills and funding in order to meet the Council’s goal of achieving net zero carbon by 2030. The information was presented in an accessible manner to allow public engagement. She said a ten year interim action plan would follow the Strategy, and this would include measures of success on which the plan could be judged. This would tie in with the County’s own Climate Change Policy, as well as the Council’s emerging Local Plan.

Councillor Pepper proposed to endorse the Strategy to Council for approval.

Councillor Evans seconded the recommendation.

The recommendation was approved unanimously.

RESOLVED to recommend to Council the draft Climate Change Strategy set out in Appendix 1 for approval

Councillor Dean raised a point of order relating to an earlier part of the meeting. He said he had received a communication from the relevant member of the public who had been in communication with Councillors Hargreaves and Reeve regarding Investment Opportunity 12, stating that he had not received a phone call from Councillor Reeve. In fact, the resident had been offered a phone call but had asked for a response in writing instead. 

Councillor Reeve agreed and said this is what Councillor Hargreaves had said earlier.

To consider the Draft Climate Change Strategy.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:12pm and reconvened at 8:22pm.

Councillor Pepper introduced the item; she responded to Councillor Dean’s point about litter in the district.  There were staff shortages at the Waste Depots due to the pandemic but she had set up initiatives and encouraged green champions in the local community to pick up litter and address this issue.

She introduced both reports and thanked all those who helped getting the documents ready. The Climate Change Action plan had set out a clear robust carbon reducing time frame with key objectives and actions.  This report was the first of 2 reports, and the key objective was to make a complex subject easy to follow for all residents of any age so the wider community could support the net zero carbon target. 

The second part would have all 5 key objectives:-

• Air Quality
• Transport
• Biodiversity
• Energy/Waste
• Planning and Development

It would also include lobbying in a tabled 5 to 10 year plan with measurable targets and actions which were being worked on.  It would need to be proof read and checked by Officers before going to Cabinet on the 9^th February 2021.

She explained that the pandemic had helped with some key climate objectives e.g. working from home, more cycling, walking and support for the local shops.  She hoped this would be a long term behavioural change.  The Climate Change interim policy document would indicate to developers the Council’s commitment to reaching the net zero carbon target.  She said Uttlesford District Council would be more likely to approve planning applications from developers who were serious about mitigating the impact of climate change.  

In response to a question from Councillor LeCount, Councillor Pepper said the amendments would be made by the Cabinet meeting on the 9^th February 2021. 

Councillor Pepper said it would be published in two parts with milestones and time frames.  She was unable to give an exact date as it would need to be sent to Officers, she wanted it to be a democratic process and therefore it would also need to go back to the community and working groups.

Councillor Dean said that the first document was an attractive leaflet but wanted more details on what the Council planned to do.  He said otherwise it gave the impression that it was all down to the public to make the changes.  He proposed that the second document was launched at the same time so that there was more detail of the Council’s intentions.

The Climate Change Manager said he also wanted to get the document out as soon as possible and build on existing actions.  One of the key partners to take into consideration was Essex County Council (ECC) they had produced their interim report but he was waiting for their action plans as these would feed into the Council’s plans.

He said the other factor for consideration was the Environmental bill which was due in late spring and would also feed into Uttlesford’s strategy;  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7