The Climate Emergency and Sustainability Policy Development and Scrutiny Panel met to discuss the Pre-Submission Draft Local Plan and the Climate and Nature Strategy Update. Key discussions revolved around the challenges of meeting housing targets, the impact of development on rural infrastructure, and the council's commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2030.

Pre-Submission Draft Local Plan

The Panel reviewed the Pre-Submission Draft Local Plan, which proposes allocations for new housing and employment spaces across Bath and North East Somerset. Councillor Sam Ross raised concerns about the funding allocated for infrastructure in Clutton and Farmborough, questioning whether it was sufficient to meet the needs of the proposed developments. He also highlighted issues with the delivery record of past developments and potential inaccuracies in the transport modelling within the plan's evidence base. Councillor Eleanor Jackson echoed these concerns, suggesting that the plan appeared biased towards North East Somerset and that insufficient resources had been allocated to its preparation. She also pointed out the lack of mention of allotments and community vegetable growing areas, despite the plan's focus on public health and wellbeing.

Cabinet Member Councillor McCabe acknowledged the concerns raised, particularly regarding the challenges of balancing housing needs with infrastructure provision and the complexities introduced by national planning policy. He explained that the plan aims to address the housing target by around 80%, acknowledging that meeting the full government-mandated figure would cause unacceptable harm to protected assets. The Panel also discussed the potential for developers to submit speculative planning applications before the Local Plan is adopted, and the limited weight that a draft plan carries at appeal.

Regarding the transport strategy, Councillor Liz Hardman questioned the mitigation factors for sites around Paulton, citing high car usage in the area and the limited scope of proposed bus service improvements. Councillor Saskia Heijltjes raised concerns about the assessment of connectivity for smaller Green Belt releases in rural areas with already limited bus provision. Councillor Duncan Hounsell questioned the timeline for the plan's adoption, suggesting developers might bypass the process. Councillor Alex Beaumont highlighted issues with infrastructure funding, noting that money allocated for improvements had previously been returned to developers.

The Panel also discussed the implications of the UNESCO World Heritage Site status on development in Bath, with Councillor Hounsell questioning the planning policy team's 13-year engagement with this issue. Councillor McCabe explained the process for potentially delisting and reapplying for World Heritage Status to allow for expansion in the west of Bath, a process that could take several years. Councillor Heijltjes inquired about the social housing need and how it aligns with the Local Plan's affordable housing targets, with officers confirming that 70% of affordable housing would be for social rent. Councillor Liz Hardman raised concerns about the selection of new sites that appeared after initial consultations and the capacity of Wessex Water to cope with increased housing in the Cam Valley area.

Climate and Nature Strategy Update

Councillor Sarah Warren, Cabinet Member for Sustainable BANES, presented an update on the Climate and Nature Strategy. She acknowledged that the district is not on track to meet its net-zero by 2030 target, but reiterated the council's commitment to this goal, emphasizing the need for greater regional, national, and international support. The strategy aims to reduce emissions, regenerate nature, and build resilience, with a new target to manage 30% of land for nature by 2030.

Councillor Saskia Heijltjes questioned the timeline for the strategy and what the council is commenting on, as it is a final draft. Councillor Liz Hardman asked if the impact of the Local Plan, with its significant housing growth, should be factored into the strategy, suggesting a need for caution regarding the feasibility of transport emission reduction targets. Councillor Heijltjes also raised concerns about accountability for a target that is known to be unrealistic, suggesting alternative approaches such as setting a more realistic target or a stretch target. Councillor Hal MacFie inquired if the elements of the strategy had been costed, to which officers responded that while council operations are costed, the overall district-wide net-zero target would require an enormous sum.

Councillor Andy Wait raised questions about rivers and waterways, noting that the strategy included sections on this but asked for updates on related initiatives. Councillor Heijltjes inquired about progress on transport emissions, which represent the largest source of emissions in the district, and how the council is learning from past lags in progress. Councillor John Leach asked if the ClimateView tool, used for emissions tracking, also assesses resilience and risk reduction. Councillor Heijltjes concluded by questioning how the council can hold itself accountable for a net-zero target that is acknowledged as unrealistic.

Panel Workplan

The Panel noted the future workplan, with the November meeting scheduled to include updates on the Flooding Strategy, School Streets, and a Street Strategy. Councillor Saskia Heijltjes proposed adding Community Resilience and Unparished Areas to the future workplan, which was agreed.

The meeting concluded at 12:07 pm.