Agenda item

To receive an update from the Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change and the Climate Sustainability Officer.

The Group had before it, and NOTED a report* from the Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change which was presented by the Climate and Sustainability Specialist.

The following was highlighted within the report:-

·       A Biodiversity Action Plan was in place and goals were being implemented including an early stage review of Council land management and opportunities to enhance nature.  “No Mow May” had just finished and work was being undertaken to maximise biodiversity opportunities.

·       The Council were considering the potential to enhance the conservation status for key areas such as local nature reserves.

·       The Planning Team were now recording the number of consents with enhancement and biodiversity net gain secured.

·       The Devon wide Local Nature Recovery Strategy was being formulated which would have implications for strategic local planning and planning decisions.  A Consultation would be carried out later this year. On-line resources would be available to help everyone play a role in nature recovery.

·       A presentation on the Local Nature Recovery Strategy would be taking place at the next meeting of the Planning Policy Advisory Group on 8 July 2025 to view the draft recommendations.  It was suggested that all Members attend.

·       The Climate Change Strategy and Climate Action Plan had been launched at the end of 2024 and early progress on the Action Plan was very positive. 

·       An additional Project Manager was now in post to help deliver sustainability projects and had begun a feasibility report for solar power projects.

·       The Council had recently responded to a consultation by the Local Government Association (LGA) asking whether there should be a statutory duty for climate change.  A positive response had been sent to the LGA stating that the Council were keen for a statutory duty due but it must be supported by funding for climate related projects, partnership and programmes.

·       Work was being undertaken with good community engagement around the Climate Change Strategy to cultivate partnership work opportunities with residents and businesses.  The Council were also engaging with partners to support climate adaptation, including nature based solutions to improve resilience to deliver some local workshops which were being run through the Blackdown Hills National Landscape Team.

·       More expressions of interest for the Green Enterprise Grants had been submitted than in the last round for grants between £500 and £5,000 for small and medium sized enterprises.

·       Grants would be funded by £30,000 from the Council’s Climate Sustainability budget which would drive local investment and attract more funding to help reduce emissions.

·       Further partnership initiatives were being looked at to bring in further grant funding to projects and partnerships across Devon and to help prepare for the launch of the first Mid Devon Climate Forum which would hopefully take place over the summer.

·       The Net Zero Advisory Group would review its Terms of Reference this year.

·       A table was provided to the Group which gave a simple overview of engagement across the themes of the Climate Change Strategy.

·       Potential projects included working with farmers to enable soil protection and flood alleviation.

·       Work continued with other groups to identify shared priorities and aimed to look at ways to support people and help them to develop their bids or help to work with others.

Discussion took place regarding:-

·       Promoting the work being done and how people could get involved.  It was explained that the Climate Forum being launched later this year would help to promote the important work being undertaken.  However wider messaging would be ramped up especially on social media and closer work with Town and Parish Councils with perhaps a presentation at the State of District Debate.  Also to work with Town and Parish Councils on the Emergency Action Plans.

·       The projects that the Green Enterprise Grants embraced.  It was explained that it was in the early stages of expressions of interest.  No bids had yet been received however it ranged from replacing sets of lightbulbs to solar panels and efficiency of water and energy use.

·       Whether there were annual targets of how to progress towards Net Zero.  It was explained that targets were in the Corporate Plan and every year a Climate Action Plan would be reviewed.

·       The potential to offer support and advice to Town and Parish Councils.

·       Whether the Council worked with Devon County Council (DCC).  It was explained that the Council did work alongside DCC as part of the Devon Climate Emergency Partnership to bring together and deliver the Devon Carbon Plan and climate adaptation.  This work was undertaken alongside a whole range of other partners in how to develop energy systems needed for Devon and fit in with the Regional Energy Strategic Plan.

·       Work with Exeter University looking at the landscape capacity for solar and offshore wind.

Note: * Report previously circulated.