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 CB21

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors D Enright & J Robertshaw, Councillors R Crouch & D Temple attended as substitutes respectively.

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 receive and consider the minutes of the Climate & Biodiversity Committee meeting held on 9 September 2025;

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 9 September 2025 were received.

C505 – The Committee received an update to advise of the ongoing work in respect of a nature walk around Witney which was being carried out in collaboration with West Oxfordshire District Council and local  ...  view the full minutes text for item CB23

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.

There was no public participation.

To receive the minutes of the Climate Action Working Party meeting held on 25 September for information.

Members received the minutes of the Climate Action Working Party held on 25 September 2025.

15 - The Compliance & Environment Officer advised Members that the Eco Fair held on 9 October 2025 had been successful. It was proposed that any future Eco Fair should be held on a Saturday in  ...  view the full minutes text for item CB25

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

The Committee received and considered the report of the Compliance & Environmental Officer, which provided an update on the draft Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan.

The Committee noted that, although overall emissions had remained broadly the same as the last review in 2019, the grounds maintenance services was now delivered  ...  view the full minutes text for item CB26

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, who provided an update on works carried out at the Lake and Country Park.

The Biodiversity & Green Spaces Officer outlined completed works, including flood mitigation measures, some of which had been part-funded through grant support, and path  ...  view the full minutes text for item CB27

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

The Committee received and considered the reports concerning the application for the establishment of Road Verge Nature Reserves in West Witney.

Members heard that Officers would liaise with the resident who had brought forward the proposal in order to monitor biodiversity changes and to consider the potential introduction of Road  ...  view the full minutes text for item CB28

To receive and consider the report of the Head of Estates & Operations.

The Committee received and considered the report of the Head of Estates & Operations regarding the proposed summer bedding.

Further to the report, the Compliance & Environmental Officer provided a verbal update on matters for consideration in relation to the proposed planting.

Members were advised that decisions regarding summer bedding needed to  ...  view the full minutes text for item CB29

To receive and consider a revised Tree Policy for the Town Council and to make recommendations to the Policy, Governance & Finance Committee accordingly.

The Committee received and considered the revised Tree Policy, together with a verbal explanation of the amendments from the Biodiversity & Green Spaces Officer.

The Biodiversity & Green Spaces Officer explained the rationale behind the policy, highlighting the importance of having a clear and easily understood framework to support consistent decision-making, protect  ...  view the full minutes text for item CB30

To receive and consider a revised Tree Policy for the Town Council and to make recommendations to the Policy, Governance & Finance Committee accordingly.

The Committee received and considered the revised Memorial Tree Policy.

Members welcomed the policy which was noted to be very clear and were unanimous in agreement with its approval.

It was requested that the policy be reviewed after two years.

Recommended:

That, the revised Memoprial Tree Policy be approved by  ...  view the full minutes text for item CB31