Agenda and draft minutes

To consider apologies and reasons for absence.

Committee Members who are unable to attend the meeting should notify the Committee Clerk derek.mackenzie@witney-tc.gov.uk prior to the meeting, stating the reason for absence.

Standing Order 8(e)(v) permits the appointment of substitute Councillors to a Committee whose role is to replace ordinary Councillors  ...  view the full agenda text for item CB418

An apology for absence was received from Councillor D Newcombe.

Members are reminded to declare any disclosable pecuniary interests in any of the items under consideration at this meeting in accordance with the Town Council’s code of conduct.

There were no declarations of interest from Members.

To receive and consider the minutes of the Climate & Biodiversity committee meeting held on 19 May 2026;

Matters arising from the minutes not covered elsewhere on the agenda (Questions on the progress on any item).

The minutes of the Committee meeting held on 19 May 2026 were received.

Resolved:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 19 May 2026 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

Cllr R Smith joined the meeting at 6:05pm

The meeting will adjourn for this item.

Members of the public may speak for a maximum of five minutes each during the period of public participation, in line with Standing Order 25. Matters raised shall relate to the following items on the agenda.

The Committee adjourned for this item.

A resident addressed the Committee regarding Agenda Item 9 (Burford Road Verge Nature Reserve) and Agenda Item 10 (Community Hub Proposal, Land North of Burford Road), outlining the biodiversity and community benefits associated with both projects.

The resident provided updates on progress since submission  ...  view the full minutes text for item CB421

To note the designation of the Burford Road – Road Verge Nature Reserve by Oxfordshire County Council.

Oxfordshire County Council has confirmed that the road verges from the top of Tower Hill to Dry Lane have been designated as the Burford Road - Road Verge Nature Reserve (RVNR). The designation  ...  view the full agenda text for item CB422

With the permission of the Chair, this item was moved up the agenda so the member of public could hear the discussion and outcome.

Members welcomed confirmation from Oxfordshire County Council (OCC) that the verges between Tower Hill and Dry Lane had now been formally designated as a Road Verge  ...  view the full minutes text for item CB422

To receive a proposal from a resident for a Community Hub to the north of Witney and consider supporting.

With the permission of the Chair, this item was moved up the agenda so the member of public could hear the discussion and outcome.

The Committee received and considered the Community Hub proposal prepared by the resident for land north of Burford Road and heard an update on discussions held  ...  view the full minutes text for item CB423

To receive and consider the report of the R.F.O concerning the financial position of items under the remit of this Committee.

The Committee received and considered the report of the Responsible Financial Officer concerning the financial position of services within the remit of the Committee.

A Member sought clarification regarding the grant income associated with the flood resilience store project. Officers clarified that the amounts shown in the report related to  ...  view the full minutes text for item CB424

To receive the minutes of the Climate Action Working Party meeting held on 11 June 2026 and consider the recommendations contained therein.

The minutes of the Climate Action Working Party meeting held on 11 June 2026 were received.

Members reviewed the recommendations arising from the Working Party and noted the progress being made on climate action projects.

Resolved:

That, the minutes of the Climate Action Working Party meeting held on 11 June  ...  view the full minutes text for item CB425

To receive and consider the report of the Biodiversity & Green Spaces Officer.

The Committee received and considered the report of the Biodiversity & Green Spaces Officer together with a verbal update.

Members were advised that progress on the Curbridge Roundabout wildflower project had been delayed following discussions with contractors regarding traffic management requirements. A Member, in their capacity as an Oxfordshire County Councillor,  ...  view the full minutes text for item CB426

Cllr G Meadows left the meeting at 6:48pm

To receive and consider the report of the Biodiversity & Green Spaces Officer.

The Committee received and considered the report of the Biodiversity & Green Spaces Officer along with a verbal update.

Members noted the installation of interpretation boards at key entrances to the Country Park, additional seating funded through external grants and the submission of the Green Flag Award application.

An update was  ...  view the full minutes text for item CB427

Cllr G Meadows returned to the meeting at 6:56pm. She did not participate in the vote on items in Agenda Item 8 (Lake & Country Park Report) having not been present for the majority of the debate.

The Member of the Public left the meeting at 6:57pm.

To receive and consider the report of the Administrative Support Assistant – Communities & Planning.

The Committee received and considered the report of the Administrative Support Assistant, Communities & Planning providing an update on progress towards delivery of the Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan.

Members noted that a number of low-cost carbon reduction measures at Windrush Cemetery Depot had been identified for implementation and welcomed  ...  view the full minutes text for item CB428