Agenda item

Purpose: the purpose of the report isto present the annual progress report on the Environment Strategy covering the third year of the delivery of the Strategy from July 2022 to July 2023, andto seek Executive’s agreement to the actions proposed in support of the newly declared ecological emergency.

Resolved that Executive:

·         Note the Annual Progress Report on the Environment Strategy (as included in Appendix C) and agree its publication on the Council’s website, and

·         Consider and agree the following actions which were set out in support of the declaration of an ecological emergency (at the Full Council meeting held on 5th October 2023):

o   Ensure the Environment Strategy and the Environment Strategy Delivery Plan emphasise the importance of ecological protection alongside Net Zero. This will be achieved through an update of the Environment Strategy and associated Delivery Plan as set out in the new Council Strategy.

o   Work with local authorities and other partners in the development of a Local Nature Recovery Strategy for Berkshire ensuring the opportunities for biodiversity protection and recovery in West Berkshire are maximised.

o   Introduce a ‘Sustainability impact assessment tool’. This will ensure ecological, climate and other sustainability priorities such as health and wellbeing are at the forefront of the decision making and project planning processes within the Council.

o   Develop a Green and Blue Infrastructure framework for the Council to highlight our priorities for ensuring the environment is managed for biodiversity and our residents.

o   Work with residents and campaign groups to encourage action for nature, by promoting relevant initiatives using council communication channels and public education opportunities.

The above actions will form part of the Environment Strategy Delivery Plan. Monitoring of progress will be included in the Annual Progress Reports published each autumn.

This decision is eligible to be ‘called-in’.  However, if the decision has not been ‘called-in’ by 5.00pm on 10 November 2023, then it will be implemented.

Councillor Lee Dillon clarified that the report had been incorrectly marked as ‘to note’ but would require a vote to approve the proposed actions detailed within the recommendations.

Councillor Stuart Gourley introduced and proposed a report (Agenda Item 6) and echoed the thanks of Councillor Dillon to Councillor Adrian Abbs. Councillor Gourley highlighted the fact that good progress was being made on the delivery plan and in reaching net zero as a Council by 2030. Councillor Gourley noted that the Climate Emergency Declaration had recently been enhanced, that a new sustainability impact tool would be introduced in the near future and that a new blue and green infrastructure framework was being developed. Councillor Gourley commented that he was keen to receive ideas and to engage with stakeholders across West Berkshire to continue to improve the district and make West Berkshire a cleaner and greener, more prosperous area to live and work.

Councillor Ross Mackinnon congratulated Councillor Gourley on his appointment and queried how many of the actions detailed under section 2(b) of the report were currently being undertaken and how many were new. Councillor Gourley responded that declaring an ecological emergency was new but that many of the others were already in place or being updated.

Councillor Mackinnon suggested that former Councillors Steve Ardagh-Walter and Lynne Doherty should have also been recognised for their work and progress made in relation to the Environment Strategy. Councillor Mackinnon referred to page 9 of the annual progress report and noted that 16% and 88% when added together equated to more than 100% and requested an explanation. Councillor Gourley agreed to investigate and revert to Councillor Mackinnon.

Councillor Dominic Boeck congratulated Councillor Gourley on his appointment and noted that there were a number of errors throughout the report, and agenda, noting section 5.5 which had omitted the word ‘centre’.

In response to a query from Councillor Boeck, Councillor Gourley explained that green and blue infrastructure referred to rivers and green open spaces and that a framework was being developed to help manage and maintain them as assets for the district.

Councillor David Marsh welcomed Councillor Gourley to his role and commented that there did not appear to be any mention of traffic free zones as had been outlined in the Administration’s manifesto. Councillor Gourley assured Councillor Marsh that the Administration was still committed to the pledge but that it was likely that it would appear in a Transport Strategy.

Councillor Adrian Abbs requested that the Progress Report contain some illustrative graphs.

Councillor Carolyne Culver congratulated Councillor Gourley on his appointment and thanked Councillor Abbs and officers for all their work. Councillor Culver referred to Steve Ardagh-Walter’s previous ‘Draft Busters’ initiative and urged the Administration to also support the scheme. Referring to the ten sites identified to receive solar PV, Councillor Culver requested that care homes also be included within the scheme.

In response to a query, Councillor Gourley reported that the Rural England Prosperity Fund Business Grant Scheme would be decided by an Individual Executive Member Decision the following month.

Councillor Gourley agreed to revert to Councillor Culver in relation to the number of successful applicants that would be proceeding with the Solar Together initiative.

Councillor Martin Colston seconded the recommendations within the report.

RESOLVED that: Executive

·       Note the Annual Progress Report on the Environment Strategy (as included in Appendix C) and agree its publication on the Council’s website, and

·       Consider and agree the following actions which were set out in support of the declaration of an ecological emergency (at the Full Council meeting held on 5th October 2023):

o   Ensure the Environment Strategy and the Environment Strategy Delivery Plan emphasise the importance of ecological protection alongside Net Zero. This will be achieved through an update of the Environment Strategy and associated Delivery Plan as set out in the new Council Strategy.

o   Work with local authorities and other partners in the development of a Local Nature Recovery Strategy for Berkshire ensuring the opportunities for biodiversity protection and recovery in West Berkshire are maximised.

o   Introduce a ‘Sustainability impact assessment tool’. This will ensure ecological, climate and other sustainability priorities such as health and wellbeing are at the forefront of the decision making and project planning processes within the Council.

o   Develop a Green and Blue Infrastructure framework for the Council to highlight our priorities for ensuring the environment is managed for biodiversity and our residents.

o   Work with residents and campaign groups to encourage action for nature, by promoting relevant initiatives using council communication channels and public education opportunities.

The above actions will form part of the Environment Strategy Delivery Plan. Monitoring of progress will be included in the Annual Progress Reports published each autumn.