Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Climate and Ecology Policy Officer.

The committee received and considered a report of the Climate and Ecology Policy Officer which provided a review of progress made in delivering the original climate and ecology action plan during the first phase of the programme and some of the challenges ahead.  It was noted that the strategy and action plan were long-term programmes that would evolve over time.  The committee’s views would be used to inform the shape of the next phase of the programme for delivery of the refreshed 2023 strategy and action plan.

Councillors considered the issues arising from the report and during discussion, points were raised in the following areas:

·       Funding issues including the receipt of Shared Prosperity Funding to continue major programmes such as Low Carbon Dorset and the need to secure long-term funding in this area, particularly external funding.  This would continue to be explored.

·       Resources and staff capacity to undertake work including the preparation of bids for funding.

·       Clarity sought on the council’s strong performance on waste and recycling rates.  It was noted that the council compared its performance to other unitary councils as they both collected and disposed of waste.

·       A request for further information to be provided on areas in progress regarding climate adaptation and resilience in future reports.  Officers provided information on work taking place to better understand the council’s climate resilience and a government national adaptation programme.

·       The need to understand the particular circumstances of Dorset in undertaking a resilience assessment.  It was noted that the next national adaptation programme was expected to provide more relevant local data.

·       Opportunities within the Council’s estate to support work including tree planting. It was noted that an opportunity assessment was being developed for a wide range of opportunities, including climate and ecology.

·       Issues around EV charging and the impact of grid infrastructure capacity.

·       Issues around nitrate mitigation and proactive work that was being undertaken by the Council.

·       A link to the associated action plan would be sent to committee members following the meeting.

·       Differing views were expressed relating to emissions around land and agriculture and the strategy for this.

·       Detail of continuing engagement being undertaken with other bodies including town and parish councils, schools and statutory housing providers.

·       Further detail of engagement with housing providers would be provided to committee members following the meeting.

·       Understanding of the impact of increasing numbers of electric vehicles on roads.

·       Issues around the placing of photovoltaic panels in car parks and on highways land.  This could be raised at a meeting with Highways England to be held shortly.

·       Issues around renewable energy on industrial parks.

·       The importance of making links with the emerging local plan.

·       Issues around travel to schools and colleges considered and improvements that could be made locally.

·       An update provided on the Canford renewable energy green hydrogen project and other opportunities across the county.

·       The communications strategy for raising awareness of work and progress in the area including successes in achieving grant funding.

·       A request to consider needs and opportunities regarding reservoir  ...  view the full minutes text for item 16