Issue - meetings

The Cabinet is asked to formally adopt the Creating Sustainable Communities in North East Somerset: The Journey to Net Zero.

Cllr Sarah Warren, Cabinet Member for Climate Emergency and Sustainable Travel, introduced the report, moved the officer recommendation and made the following points:

·  The "Journey to Net Zero: Creating Sustainable Communities" transport strategy outlines our vision and strategic approach to sustainable development amongst the towns of North East Somerset and its larger villages.

·  The Strategy is based on extensive research and community engagement in collaboration with key stakeholders.

·  The vision is to create great places for living, working, and raising families and to offer healthy, low-carbon travel choices to reduce car dependency.

·  It builds upon ideas put forward in the 2022 Journey to Net Zero strategy for Bath.

·  It addresses transport's role in climate change, social inequality, and economic resilience.

·  It puts forward a vision of high-quality, frequent public transport links seamlessly integrated with active travel infrastructure.

·  There should be access to essential services and affordable housing without needing to drive.

·  There will also be support for drivers to reduce their environmental impact by providing improved car charging facilities and the provision of car clubs to reduce the need for car ownership.

·  There will be continued collaboration with local stakeholders and communities and an emphasis on building consensus for a healthier, lower-carbon future.

The motion was seconded by Cllr Matt McCabe.  He highlighted the challenge of reducing vehicle mileage per person by 25% while accommodating the construction of 29,000 new houses over the next 20 years, potentially adding 60,000 new cars to the roads. The Council will seek to build homes with adequate infrastructure and job access, secure developer contributions for active travel routes, and provide diverse transport options. Recent public transport initiatives such as Westlink have not been fit for purpose, and it will be important to work with WECA to make public and active transport attractive choices. Serious action needs to be taken to reduce car journeys, tackle the climate emergency, and improve residents' health and fitness.

RESOLVED unanimously:

To formally adopt the Creating Sustainable Communities in North East Somerset: The Journey to Net Zero.