The Environment Scrutiny Committee was scheduled to discuss the impacts of quarrying and the new Gloucestershire Joint Minerals (and Waste) Plan, as well as the council's preparedness for the upcoming winter season. The committee also reviewed the Executive Director's report for Economy, Environment & Infrastructure and its own work plan.

The Impacts of Quarrying and the New Gloucestershire Joint Minerals (and Waste) Plan

The committee was scheduled to receive a report on the impacts of quarrying and an introduction to the new Gloucestershire Joint Minerals (and Waste) Plan. This plan is a crucial document that outlines how minerals will be extracted and how waste will be managed across the county for the foreseeable future. Such plans are developed in accordance with national planning policy and aim to balance the need for resources with environmental protection and community impact.

Winter Preparedness

An overview of Gloucestershire County Council's highway preparedness for the 2026/27 winter season was scheduled for discussion. This would have covered the arrangements in place to manage snow, ice, flooding, and other adverse weather impacts on the highway network. The council has a statutory duty to ensure safe passage on the highway during winter conditions, as outlined in the Highways Act 1980¹. The Adverse Weather Plan 2025/26, which includes procedures for snow, ice, flooding, and high winds, was expected to be a key document for this discussion. The council's preparedness includes a fleet of 29 gritting vehicles, approximately 11,400 tonnes of rock salt stored across four depots, and a strategic winter network covering around 28% of the county's roads. Community involvement through Snow Wardens and Town and Parish Councils, along with 5,000 public grit bins, also forms part of the preparedness strategy.

Executive Director's Report: Economy, Environment & Infrastructure

The committee was set to review the Executive Director's report, which provides information on progress and proposals across various areas within the Economy, Environment & Infrastructure directorate. This report included updates on highways, including the M5 Junction 10 project and the Gloucestershire Cycle Spine. It also covered traffic and transport matters, such as Definitive Map Modification Orders and Highways Development Management applications. Other areas included in the report were the Corporate Fleet Unit, Road Safety Partnership, Electric Vehicle charging, and Parking. The report also touched upon economic development initiatives, the development of local plans, and progress on the Spatial Development Strategy.

Work Plan

The committee was scheduled to review its work plan for future meetings. This process involves suggesting items for consideration, with members encouraged to assess whether scrutiny could add value to specific topics. The prioritisation of these items would be guided by their alignment with council priorities, potential for effecting change, and public interest. The agenda indicated that discussions around the Minerals and Waste Local Plan consultation and the Gloucestershire Nature and Climate Fund were likely to be considered for future inclusion.