Purpose

To present to the Executive the full range of work that the Council has undertaken in recent years to protect and enhance the environment of the Borough, and to seek approval to prepare an Environment Strategy which will provide a co-ordinated programme of environmental work going forward.

Improving our environment is a key priority for Fareham Borough Council.  In 2019 the Council committed to becoming carbon neutral in its operation by 2030. To achieve this a Climate Change Action Plan (CCAP) was put in place.  The CCAP focusses mainly on carbon reduction to help mitigate climate change.  However, there are many elements other than carbon reduction which have an environmental impact.

The report then goes on to set out the need for an Environmental Strategy which will bring the different environmental elements together to formulate one cohesive strategy.  The strategy will guide decision making going forward and ensure the Council continues to protect and enhance Fareham’s environment.

Once this report has been considered by the Executive, the ‘Fareham’s Greener Future’ publication will be shared in late March. Social media and local media opportunities will also be used to raise awareness of the progress achieved and next steps on environmental matters.

The report will be presented to the 14 March Planning and Development Scrutiny Panel for pre-scrutiny.  Comments from the Panel will be presented to the Executive.

Decision

RESOLVED that the Executive approves:

(a)  the preparation of an Environment Strategy to guide decision making and priority projects going forward;

(b)  requests that Officers undertake a range of actions to publicise the ‘Fareham’s Greener Future’ publication which sets out the delivery progress and next steps; and

(c)  delegates authority to the Director of Planning and Regeneration following consultation with the Executive Member for Planning and Development to make any necessary minor amendments and updates to the publication on ‘Fareham’s Greener Future’.