The Environment Scrutiny Commission met to discuss climate adaptation and resilience, and progress on the council's Biodiversity Scrutiny Review. Key discussions included the impacts of extreme weather, strategies for enhancing biodiversity across the borough, and the council's future work programme.

Climate Adaptation and Resilience

The commission received a comprehensive update on the council's efforts in climate adaptation and resilience. Officers highlighted the increasing risks posed by climate change, including extreme heat, flooding, and drought, noting that these risks disproportionately affect the borough's most vulnerable residents and areas with higher levels of deprivation. The report detailed the council's Climate Action Plan, which integrates adaptation measures across five themes: Buildings and Energy, Streets and Transport, Natural Environment, Greener Economy, and People and Resources.

Several councillors raised concerns and posed questions regarding specific aspects of the council's approach. Councillor Margie Nunes questioned the integration of climate resilience into highway maintenance and development, citing an instance where pavement widening did not incorporate sustainable drainage systems (SuDS). Councillor Catherine Dawkins inquired about the council's powers to ensure schools, particularly those managed by multi-academy trusts, make necessary adaptations to their buildings for climate resilience. Councillor Ruth Bannister raised concerns about energy usage in aging council housing estates with district heating systems and the potential for solar panel installation. Councillor Graham Neale sought clarification on how success is measured in climate adaptation and resilience efforts, requesting more specific targets.

Officers acknowledged the challenges, particularly around funding and the need for cultural change within the council and among contractors to embed climate considerations into all decision-making. They outlined ongoing work, including the development of a Borough Action Plan with new metrics, the integration of climate considerations into the Local Plan, and efforts to improve housing stock resilience. The importance of collaboration with community groups and partners was also stressed.

Biodiversity Scrutiny Review Progress Update

The commission received an update on the progress made in implementing the recommendations from the Biodiversity Scrutiny Review. Liam Nash, an ecology officer, and Julian Traugy, Parks, Trees and Ecology Manager, presented the findings, supported by Anna Colligan and Simon Saville from Southwark Nature Action Volunteers.

The review, which concluded in 2024, put forward 34 recommendations, of which 10 were accepted and 24 partially accepted by Cabinet. One year on, seven recommendations have been completed, 13 are ongoing as business-as-usual activities, 10 are in progress, and four remain under consideration. Key areas of progress include the refresh of the Southwark Nature Action Plan (SNAP) to align with the London Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS), the embedding of mandatory biodiversity net gain into planning policy, and the publication of climate and environment supplementary planning documents.

However, concerns were raised by the community representatives. Anna Colligan highlighted the severity of the biodiversity crisis, citing a significant decline in bird numbers in Dulwich. She questioned the practical implementation of green connectivity, the effectiveness of current management of Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINCs), and the need for better coordination with Network Rail and neighbouring boroughs. Simon Saville echoed these concerns, particularly regarding depaving opportunities and the lack of a structured approach to creating ecological corridors.

Councillor Graham Neale specifically addressed the recommendation concerning vehicle footway crossovers (VFCs), arguing that the current response does not adequately address the detailed points raised in the recommendation and urging further action. Councillor Ruth Bannister inquired about the council's approach to educating residents on biodiversity and wildlife-friendly practices, while Councillor Catherine Dawkins asked about the potential for the voluntary sector to assist in training council officers on biodiversity. Councillor Bullock sought clarity on how the plan aims to stabilize or increase biodiversity levels within the borough, requesting clearer metrics.

Officers acknowledged the feedback, noting the challenges of officer capacity and resource limitations. They committed to further engagement with the Highways department on VFCs and to exploring the use of the voluntary sector for training. The development of measurable deliverables for the next iteration of the nature action plan was also highlighted.

Exploring the Physical and Mental Health and Wellbeing Impacts of Active Travel and Access to Nature

This item was noted as officers were unable to attend. Councillor Graham Neale emphasized the importance of framing active travel and health discussions around equity, going beyond air quality to consider the direct health benefits of physical activity in green spaces. He urged the commission to press the public health department to explore these areas more deeply. Councillor Richard Leeming supported this, highlighting the link between cycling and mental health and advocating for closer collaboration with the NHS. Councillor Ruth Bannister inquired about the location of cycle sheds.

The Thames and Local Rivers

This report was noted, with Councillor Margy Newens providing an update on the emerging Riverside Strategy. She expressed concern about the potential costs involved and the need for cross-borough coordination, as the strategy is expected to be a requirement for all boroughs by 2030. Councillor Catherine Dawkins asked about the scope of inter-council coordination, and Councillor Graham Neale suggested incorporating recommendations from the sustainable freight review regarding river transport.

Work Programme

Julie Timbrell presented the proposed work programme for the remainder of the year. The commission noted suggestions for a substantive review on waste, cleaner neighbourhoods, and a circular economy, focusing on strategy and operational effectiveness, including the aerial contract renewal. A minor review on heat resilience and cool spaces was also proposed. Other topics identified for review included balcony and plug-in solar, transport safety and infrastructure, fairness and consistency in resident parking permit charging, and food security and resilience. Councillor Dawkins suggested incorporating cold weather resilience into the heat resilience review, and Councillor Richard Leeming advocated for the inclusion of SMART measures in recommendations to ensure tangible change. Councillor Graham Neale also suggested adding air quality to the work programme, given its upcoming strategy review. The commission agreed to consider these suggestions.