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 CB243

An apology for absence was received from Councillor D Newcombe.

It was also noted that Cllr R Smith was running late however would be joining the meeting.

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 or Officers.

To elect a Vice-Chair of the Committee for the 2026/27 Municipal Year.

The Chair called for nominations for the position of Vice-Chair of the Committee.

It was proposed and seconded that Councillor G Meadows be elected. There being no other nominations, it was:

Resolved:

That, Councillor Georgia Meadows be elected Vice-Chair of the Committee for the 2026/27 municipal year.

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.

The committee received representations from a resident concerning Agenda Item 9 who shared his thoughts on the proposals for the introduction of PV Solar panels as well as wider climate action activity.

The Committee reconvened.

To receive and consider the minutes of the Halls, Cemeteries and Allotments Minutes held on 13 January 2026;

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

The minutes of the Climate & Biodiversity Committee meeting held on 13 January 2026 were received.

CB28 – An update was provided on the progress of the Nature Verges projected being spearheaded by a resident. Members heard that engagement was ongoing between the Council, Oxfordshire Country Council and the neighbouring parish  ...  view the full minutes text for item CB247

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 (RFO) detailing income and expenditure for budgets which were the responsibility of the committee.

A question arose from a Member regarding income from fishing rights, it was confirmed that it was not expected that the Newland Angling Club,  ...  view the full minutes text for item CB248

To review the Committee Terms of Reference (TOR) if appropriate. The current TOR’s are attached.

The Committee considered whether any changes were needed to the current Terms of Reference.

It was unanimously agreed that the following additional term be added to reflect the oversight of the Climate & Biodiversity Working Party.

(k) To oversee the work of the Council’s Climate Action Working Party.

Recommended:

That, the  ...  view the full minutes text for item CB249

To receive and consider the report of the Deputy Town Clerk concerning the results of the 2026 annual residents satisfaction survey for this Committee.

The Committee received and considered the report of the Deputy Town Clerk concerning the results of the residents’ annual satisfaction survey, which was conducted at the beginning of the year.

Members were advised that the report represented the survey results for services within the remit of this Committee, presenting combined  ...  view the full minutes text for item CB250

To receive and consider the report of the Compliance & Environment Officer.

The Committee received and considered the report of the Compliance and Environment Officer (C&EO) providing an update on the Council’s Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan.

The C&EO presented the report, advising that it was a detailed and comprehensive document covering a wide range of climate-related priorities. Members  ...  view the full minutes text for item CB251

To receive and consider the report of the Head of Estates & Operations regarding the Autum 2026 planting scheme.

The Committee received and considered the report of the Head of Operations and Estates (H&O), as presented by the Biodiversity & Green Spaces Officer (B&GSO).

The B&GSO advised Members that the report outlined proposals for the future delivery of the Council’s seasonal planting scheme. It was highlighted that  ...  view the full minutes text for item CB252

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

The Committee received the report along with a verbal update from the Biodiversity & Green Spaces Officer (B&GSO).

Members were advised that a name had been proposed for the new community orchard at the Country Park, with “Railway Orchard” put forward for consideration. The Committee agreed to adopt this name  ...  view the full minutes text for item CB253

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 (B&GSO), together with a verbal update.

Members were advised that external grant funding of £4,500 had been secured and was being utilised to support activities within the Lake and Country Park area. This included the provision  ...  view the full minutes text for item CB254

To consider the showing of the National Emergency Briefing film in the Corn Exchange. (Full Council Minute 206 13.04.2026 Refers)

The Committee received and considered the report of the Committee Clerk regarding the National Emergency Briefing film.

Members agreed that hosting a screening would be beneficial and supported the proposal to hold an afternoon showing on 27 July 2026, with a particular focus on encouraging attendance from younger people. It  ...  view the full minutes text for item CB255

To receive correspondence from NALC and consider a response to the DEFRA Biodiversity Net Gain for brownfield consultation.

The Committee received and considered the correspondence regarding the DEFRA consultation on Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), which proposed an exemption for residential development on brownfield land.

Members discussed the implications of the proposed changes and expressed concern regarding the potential impact on biodiversity within Witney. It was noted that all  ...  view the full minutes text for item CB256

To receive and consider a response to the consultation on a proposed policy aimed at ensuring local communities benefit from new renewable and clean energy projects through financial contributions and shared ownership opportunities, and to provide feedback to help shape the final policy.

The Committee received and considered correspondence from Oxfordshire County Council’s relating to the consultation on annual community payments from renewable energy.

Members discussed the content and noted the length and complexity of the survey questions. It was therefore agreed that a coordinated response on behalf of the Town Council would  ...  view the full minutes text for item CB257