Agenda and draft minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting.

The Chair drew attention to the emergency evacuation procedure.

Councillor Leach gave his apologies and was substituted by Councillor Pankhania.

Councillor Jackson attended the meeting as the Labour member (current vacancy).

Councillor MacFie gave his apologies.

At this point in the meeting declarations of interest are received from Members in any of the agenda items under consideration at the meeting. Members are asked to indicate:

(a) The agenda item number in which they have an interest to declare.

(b) The nature of their interest.

(c) Whether their interest is a disclosable pecuniary interest or an other interest, (as defined in Part 4.4 Appendix B of the Code of Conduct and Rules for Registration of Interests)

Any Member who needs to clarify any matters relating to the declaration of interests is recommended to seek advice from the Council’s Monitoring Officeror a member of his staff before the meeting to expedite dealing with the item during the meeting.

Councillor Jackson declared she is a director of the Radstock Cooperative Society, which has a development with some relationship to Aequus. She confirmed this would not influence her contributions. The Chair confirmed she may speak on Aequus?related items.

There was none.

Councillor Born read a statement from Professor Rory Shaw regarding Air Pollution (statement attached to the minutes).

Councillor Warren read a statement from Dr Lucy Anderson regarding Air Pollution (statement attached to the minutes).

Lily Hughes made a statement regarding ‘Wood Burning and Air Pollution’ (statement attached to the minutes).

Councillor Walker asked how B&NES could educate residents. Lily Hughes replied that the council should use all available channels — including social media and local media — to inform residents, as many people are unaware of the health risks.

Councillor Jackson asked whether a supplementary planning document banning bonfires would help. Lily referenced Birmingham’s example but could not confirm applicability.

The Chair thanked Lily Hughes for attending.

The Panel confirmed the minutes of the previous meeting as a true record and they were duly signed by the Chair.

The Cabinet Member will update the Panel on any relevant issues. Panel members may ask questions on the update provided.

Councillor Sarah Warren, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Bath and North East Somerset, gave an update which covered the following:

Climate & Nature Strategy - Proposed Timeline

•   26 March: Panel meeting dedicated to policy development for the updated Climate & Nature Strategy.

•   9 July: Focus on climate resilience and adaptation, following risk assessment.

•   24 September: Draft strategy and updated action plan presented to the Panel ahead of Cabinet and Council in November.

(No separate annual progress report this year; progress will be incorporated into the strategy discussion).

Additional Updates

•   Successful bid for EV (Electric Vehicle) charging infrastructure at Keynsham Recycling Hub.

•   Funding secured with Wessex Water and Southwest Water for catchment?based nature recovery work. Recruitment underway for three new staff to support projects.

Bath Riverline:

•   Phase 1A substantially complete.

•   Phase 1B construction begins February, completion expected in summer.

•   Further funding sought for Windsor Bridge area.

Panel member questions:

Councillor Hounsell asked for an update on the Better Moorings Project. The Cabinet Member agreed to follow this up.

The Chair asked how the Climate & Nature Strategy timeline would fit with the Local Plan timeline. It was suggested that options be looked at regarding dates/ extending meetings/additional meeting.

Councillor Matt McCabe, Cabinet Member for Built Environment, Housing and Sustainable Development, introduced the item. There was a presentation which covered the following:

·  Aequus Group Business Plan Refresh

·  Business Plan Opportunities and Challenges

·  Aequus Social Value Outcomes

·  Aequus Governance Update

·  Updated Financial Forecast and Pipeline

·  Summary of Key Pipeline Changes

·  Updated Pipeline Analysis

·  Updated Pipeline Analysis – Key Dependencies

·  Updated Financial Overview – Revenue Forecast 2025/26 to 2029/30

·  Updated Financial Overview – Profit Forecast 2025/26 to 2029/30

·  Shareholder Returns

·  Updated Key Risks

Panel members raised the following points and asked the following questions:

Councillor Beaumont asked how Aequus would engage communities in future developments. The Aequus representative responded that  engagement would take place through public sector partner discussions, engagement with landowners and new community engagement partners.

Councillor Heijltjes asked whether Bath Quays would include affordable housing and if so, how many of the 96 units would be affordable/social housing. The Cabinet Member confirmed that the LLP structure allows subsidy to deliver policy?compliant affordable housing. He stated that he could not say now exactly how much affordable housing will be delivered.

Councillor Pankhania asked whether new homes would include solar generation and battery storage. The Aequus representative explained that EPCA homes already include air?source heat pumps, MVHR, triple glazing, and solar PV. Battery storage is under review.

Councillor Heijltjes asked if money from revenue returns would go to frontline services. The Aequus representative explained that it was based on the delivery timeline, some of which is out of our control. The Action Plan has helped. The Cabinet Member added that it can be more complex when dealing with other Councils.

Councillor Jackson stated that she had voted against the North Quays project as there was no social housing planned. She asked why there were no Aequus projects in North East Somerset. The Aequus representative explained that early?stage discussions were underway but details were commercially confidential.

Counsellor Hounsell asked whether financial projections could be shown in today’s money. Officers confirmed that net present value modelling could be provided.

The Chair thanked the officers and Cabinet Member.

The report will be published later in the week.

Councillor Mark Elliott, Cabinet Member for Resources, introduced the item. He stated that he was happy to hear from the Panel regarding the proposals and where they think the risks might sit.

Panel members raised the following points and asked the following questions:

Councillor Hounsell asked whether closing recycling centres would increase cross?district travel. The Cabinet Member stated that this was under consideration and no final decision had been made. He stated that we are well provided for in terms of recycling centres.

Councillor Wait asked whether Keynsham would ever be the only site open. The Cabinet Member confirmed it would not.

Councillor Walker asked if recycling vehicles would be able to take more items. The Cabinet Member explained that kerbside recycling vehicles already take a range of items including small electrical items.

Councillor Heijltjes asked whether changes to waste rounds would reduce resilience. The Cabinet Member confirmed that there would be no reduction in service.

Councillor Walker asked about the removal of one off growth funding – the officer explained that this referred to enforcement cameras which are in place; a time limited piece of work regarding the car club and extra support for supported bus routes. Also School Streets go live after Easter so the funding for the set up is no longer needed.

Councillor Wait asked about the number of School Streets, the officer confirmed that Lime Gardens/Charmouth Road is included.

Councillor Heijltjes asked whether enforcement officers could use e?bikes.

Officers explained that current ANPR technology is not compatible with e?bike deployment.

Councillor Heijltjes asked how Park & Ride charges would be enforced. The officer said improved ticketing and monitoring systems were being explored.

Councillor Jackson stated that there is an ambition to have a hospital flyer from Oddown to the RUH, the bus service (number 4) is extremely erratic. She asked if the budget provides for more information to be publicised about bus services which may encourage more people to use them. She stated that buses used to get fined for cancelling services. It was explained that many bus services are run by WECA and that advertising services is being discussed at the next WECA meeting.

Councillor Jackson asked if there had been any investigation into the effect of parking charges in North East Somerset on small businesses. The officer stated that it is nationally recognised that well managed parking facilities encourage turn over. There has been no dedicated work on the impact on small businesses, but we will continue to monitor.

Councillor Walker asked if there is a quicker system for reporting parking enforcement issues. The officer explained that the direct email should be timely. It is then put on a patrol list and the area will be visited.

Councillor Heijltjes asked about the CAZ (Clean Air Zone) deficit. The officer explained that the number of contravening vehicles is declining. The Cabinet Member confirmed that this will become less profitable as it becomes more successful.

The Chair thanked the Cabinet Member and officers.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 189.

Councillor Sarah Warren, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Bath and North East Somerset, introduced the policy and development item. She read a statement from the Director of Public Health. There was a presentation which covered the following:

·  Pollutants in BANES

·  Health Impacts

·  Particulate Matter and Health Impacts

·  Vulnerable Community Members

·  Air Quality Standards and Targets

·  Examples of LA’s with Local Targets

·  NO2 Forecasting

·  Particulate Matter Forecasting across B&NES

·  Suggested Local Annual Targets and Supporting Strategy

Panel members had the following discussion:

Councillor Pankhania asked whether new sources of PM2.5 were being monitored. He stated that it may be smarter to look a new engineering processes to see if they generate eg. Cosmetics. The officer explained that the strategy would include source?apportionment and that monitoring was needed to identify hot spots.

Councillor Hounsell asked whether modelling included new housing growth. The officer explained that modelling does not consider new local interventions but does consider traffic changes.

Councillor Hounsell asked if there is a policy regarding wood burning stoves in terms of people using treated wood. The Cabinet Member stated that all suggestions can be incorporated into the policy and in the meantime, the Environment Protection Team can investigate.

Councillor Wait asked whether wood?burning impacts on individual homes could be monitored. The officer explained that particulate matter is harder to monitor and the equipment is more complex. She confirmed that mobile PM monitors exist and limited monitoring is possible.

Councillor Box noted monitoring in Bath and suggested that it would be great to widen this out. She underlined the importance of enforcement. She also stated a nervousness of hot spots being identified which could cause traffic diversions. She explained her job with patients with COPD (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and asked that the link to poverty be considered as a theme. Officers agreed.  

Councillor Heijltjes stated that she supports setting local targets. She asked if 2030 timing is realistic. She also asked whether school streets could be monitored before and after implementation. The officer stated that targets are realistic, WHO guidelines are extremely ambitious.

Councillor Jackson asked if farm vehicles are monitored. Officers explained that they are not specifically monitored. It was explained that monitoring has been done in Westfield and if they have been taken away it will be due to levels being lower.

Councillor Walker asked if people could be supported if they wish to swap from solid fuel use. She also asked whether bonfire restrictions could be enforced. Officers confirmed they can be enforced through statutory nuisance powers, alongside public education. The Cabinet Member stated that there are initiatives for those on low incomes (Warm Homes).

Councillor Hounsell stressed the importance of education and communication as changes can take a long time (eg. Recycling).

Councillor Box stated that a strategy is a good idea and that there is a crossover with the NHS.

The Panel unanimously agreed to recommend to the Cabinet Member that:

•  the Council should identify and adopt local targets for nitrogen dioxide  ...  view the full minutes text for item 190.

This report presents the latest workplan for the Panel. Any suggestions for further items or amendments to the current programme will be logged and scheduled in consultation with the Panel’s Chair and supporting senior officers.

Panel members noted the workplan and that the items and meeting dates (re. Climate item and Local Plan item) would be confirmed.