The Environment Policy Development Group of Mid Devon Council discussed several key topics, including updates on climate change initiatives, the performance dashboard for the third quarter, and a review of the Bin It 123 waste collection scheme. Decisions were made to continue supporting the Council’s Climate and Sustainability programme and to engage with the Planning Policy Advisory Group on the new Local Plan.

Climate Change Update

The Cabinet Member for Climate Change provided an update on the Council’s progress in implementing Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG). The Council is at a critical stage, with the Planning Policy Advisory Group (PPAG) reviewing the Local Plan. Members were encouraged to engage in participative policy-making, especially in areas like climate change planning policies.

The Council is using its Biodiversity Duty to support actions such as pushing developers to deliver Dark Skies initiatives. Over 50 standard trees have been planted in various locations, including People’s Park and Amory Park. The Council has met its annual tree target, equivalent to planting 500 whips.

The Climate and Sustainability Officer highlighted the excellent work done by the Housing teams, Tenant Engagement Teams, Public Health Teams, and Private Sector Home Improvements. The Council has achieved significant progress in tree planting and biodiversity enhancement through strategic partnerships with landowners, agencies, and community engagement.

Discussion Points:

• Targets for future tree planting and aftercare.
• Volunteering opportunities with Town and Parish Councils.
• Control over hedge cutting by landowners.
• Higher Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings for private sector rented homes through the Minimum Energy Efficiency Scheme.
• Feasibility of raising the local BNG requirement above the 10% minimum.

Recommendations:

• The Environment PDG noted and accepted the update on the Council’s Climate and Sustainability programme.
• The Environment PDG noted the engagement of the PPAG with the new Local Plan for Mid Devon.
• The Environment PDG noted the Cabinet report on the requirements related to the Biodiversity Duty.

Performance Dashboard Quarter 3

The Corporate Manager for Performance and Improvement presented the Performance Dashboard for Quarter 3 2023/24. Key highlights included:

• The Council’s own fleet CO₂ emissions were red-rated due to the delayed arrival of new electric vehicles.
• Volatile prices for recycled materials.
• Overspend on agency staff.
• Slippage in capital projects due to the search for a new waste site.

Discussion Points:

• Risk of failing to meet Climate Change obligations.
• Annual progression of targets leading up to 2030.

The Performance Dashboard for Quarter 3 2023/24 was noted.

Review of Bin It 123

The Corporate Manager for People, Governance and Waste provided a verbal update on the Bin It 123 scheme. The scheme, which introduced three-weekly bin collections, has increased recycling rates by around 5% and significantly reduced residual waste. The Council eliminated side waste collections on 26 February 2024, achieving a compliance rate of 96.5-97%.

Discussion Points:

• Challenges with Houses of Multiple Occupancy (HMOs) and properties without bin storage facilities.
• Education on reducing food waste.
• Future collection of plastic film waste.
• Workforce sufficiency and public awareness on recycling.

The review of Bin It 123 was noted.

Environment Enforcement Statistics - Quarter 3

The Environment and Enforcement Manager presented the Environment Enforcement Statistics for Quarter 3. Key points included:

• Completion of all cleansing inspections despite staffing constraints.
• Issuance of fixed notices for dog fouling.
• Potential use of CCTV for fly-tipping hotspots.
• Promotion of “Keep Britain Tidy Week” and the “Great British Spring Clean”.

The Environment Enforcement Statistics for Quarter 3 were noted.

Work Plan

The existing Environment PDG work plan was noted, with several new items added, including:

• Community municipal bonds for renewable energy projects.
• Workplace parking levies.
• Local guides for accredited green businesses.
• Increased Solar PV at Council-owned buildings.
• Feasibility of community composting schemes.
• Incentives for electric vehicle use.
• Zero food-waste district initiatives.
• Public recycling bins.
• Green procurement policy.
• Rolling out of refillable water stations.
• Dog poo signs for Parish Councils.
• Discussion on wildlife corridors.

The four items from the Climate Change Update were also added to the work plan.