Minutes:
A Climate Emergency update was given by The Leader of the Council, Councillor Neighbour as follows:
“Upon declaring a Climate Change Emergency in April, Full Council asked for 6 monthly updates. I've decided to provide a verbal update in November, with a formal annual report in May with officers in attendance to help with Q&A.
We are undergoing a carbon pathway assessment to help inform our evolving climate change action plan over the next decade. We have already put into action a number of initiatives.
Most recently the Planning Committee have given approval for two solar farms in the west if Hart, capable of powering up to 30,000 homes, almost 70% of the District.
The first phase of Hart’s Green Grid moves forward as tenders are being selected for a cycle path between Hartland Park and Fleet railway station. We are also partnering with Hampshire County Council in creating a wider local walking and cycling strategy.
Our recent electric survey highlighted that three quarters of Hart respondents were planning to change to an electric car within five years. We are installing more EV charging points across the district, having already installed them at both Church Road car park and at the new Edenbrook flats.
Our leisure centres use of solar panels continues to save around 16.7 tonnes of carbon emissions every year.
The Countryside Team are switching to battery powered equipment such as hedge trimmers, mowers and chainsaws. The community garden project at Edenbrook will encourage residents to grow their own vegetables and using sustainable compost generated by our wider activities within the team.
The Climate Change working group has evolved to include Blackwater Valley Friends of the Earth, we now include themed items which have included tree planting schemes and the new Environment Act. We also launched a communication plan that geared up both for Big Green Week in September plus daily posting during the COP26 event in Glasgow.
The next draft service plans already include a survey to help the greening of our car parks and buildings, as well as a formal tree planting scheme.”
Councillor Forster asked whether it was the Northern or Southern route of the Green Grid that was being progressed.
Councillor Neighbour confirmed it was the Northern route.
Councillor Forster asked why there had been no Solar PV implementation in phase 3 of Hartland Village.
Councillor Oliver stated that the developer had gone beyond all planning and other specifications and that Air Source Heat Pumps had been agreed for implementation in all properties in phase 3 as part of the development and the installation of PV Solar panels have been asked for in addition to this.
Councillor Quarterman asked if there had been any feedback from Friends of the Earth.
Councillor Neighbour stated that Friends of the Earth had recently issued a press release detailing a ‘manifesto of actions they want Local Government to take’ and that Hart District Council was working toward those and encouraging Hampshire County Council to do so in areas that required the authorities to work together.