Agenda item

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 benchmarking work being undertaken with other local councils.

Work was also progressing to assess larger carbon reduction projects at the Corn Exchange, including solar photovoltaic panels, boiler replacement options and potential heat pump installation. Members noted that investigations were ongoing, including discussions with the West Oxfordshire District Council Planning Department regarding the feasibility of solar panel installations.

The Committee received updates on arrangements for the 2026 Eco Fair, the National Emergency Briefing screening held on 27 July 2026, and a range of wider environmental initiatives including energy tariffs and water conservation measures.

Members also received a verbal update from the Biodiversity & Green Spaces Officer regarding consideration of the replacement of the Council's Utility Terrain Vehicle and noted that no suitable electric alternative had yet met operational requirements.

Further discussion took place regarding the impact of the exceptionally hot summer on newly planted trees. Members noted that a full assessment of losses was being undertaken and welcomed plans to develop replacement planting proposals focused on resilient, drought-tolerant native species. The Committee also noted, in response to a Member’s question, that wildfire resilience was addressed within Action 31 of the draft Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan through the proposed Environmental Emergency Plan.

The Committee welcomed the progress made since the previous review and agreed that, subject to the incorporation of Member and Officer feedback, the revised Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan should be presented to Full Council on 12 October 2026 for adoption.

Members further agreed that a meeting of the Climate Action Working Party should be held following the Full Council meeting to review implementation priorities and make recommendations regarding budget requirements for 2027/28.

Resolved:

1. That, the report be noted;

2. That, Member feedback be incorporated into the draft Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan;

3. That, authority be delegated to the Deputy Town Clerk, in consultation with the Chair, to finalise the document for submission to Full Council on 12 October 2026;

4. That, a Climate Action Working Party meeting be held following Full Council to review implementation priorities and budget requirements; and

5. That, the continued development of the detailed Action Plan, associated KPIs and future reporting arrangements be supported.