The Council met on Tuesday 8 September 2026 to discuss a range of important issues, including preparing for extreme heat, the development of a new waste depot, and the Youth Justice Plan. Key decisions included approving the commissioning plan for a new waste depot and adopting the Youth Justice Plan for 2026-27.

Preparing North Somerset for Extreme Heat

The Council debated a motion on preparing North Somerset for extreme heat events. Councillor Mike Dunn, who proposed the motion, highlighted the increasing frequency and severity of heatwaves, citing the excess deaths recorded during recent heatwaves and the impact on essential services, the workforce, and public information. The motion called for Cabinet to review the existing Climate Change Adaptation Strategy to identify any gaps in addressing extreme heat and for the Leader to write to the government requesting a clearer national framework, funding, and capacity support for local adaptation measures.

Amendments were proposed and accepted. Councillor Helen Thornton proposed an amendment to call for the Health and Safety Executive to review and update guidance to introduce maximum workplace temperature guidelines. Councillor Luke Smith proposed an amendment to champion greater support and guidance for farmers to secure plant and animal health during heatwaves.

During the debate, concerns were raised about the focus solely on heat rather than broader extreme climate events, with Councillor Mike Bird suggesting the motion should refer to extreme climate events to encompass flooding. However, Councillor Dunn argued for keeping the focus on extreme heat to maintain the motion's clarity and impact. Councillor Stuart Davies provided context on wildfires, noting that while heat can be a contributing factor, many were deliberately started. Councillor Mike Bell, Leader of the Council, acknowledged the limitations of writing to the government for responses but stressed the importance of making the point and working collaboratively across the West of England Combined Authority. Councillor Bridget Petty seconded the motion, emphasizing the need to prepare for climate change impacts and the health and wellbeing of staff and residents. Councillor Ashley Cartman expressed reservations about the motion becoming a Frankenstein motion and suggested focusing on reviewing the existing climate change adaptation strategy. Councillor Catherine Gibbons highlighted the need for public awareness and education regarding extreme heat. Councillor David Shopland reminded the council that adapting to a changing world is a continuous process. Councillor Sue Mason pointed out the need to consider communication methods for those who do not use electronic devices.

Ultimately, the motion, as amended, was carried.

Commissioning Plan for a New Waste Depot

The Council approved the commissioning plan for the design and build contractor and employer's agent for the development of a new waste depot. Councillor Steve Bridger, Cabinet Member for Digital, AI and Service Transformation, and Councillor Annemieke Waite, Cabinet Member for Planning and Environment, presented the report, highlighting the inadequacy of the current waste infrastructure, which faces capacity constraints, legislative challenges, and an inability to support the electrification of the waste fleet. The existing depot also has security of tenure issues.

The approved plan represents Stage 1 of the project, involving a £2.5 million investment to procure a design and build contractor and an employer's agent. This stage will focus on detailed design, planning applications, and cost assessment. A further Council decision will be required before proceeding to Stage 2, the construction phase, which is estimated to cost approximately £53.5 million.

During the debate, Councillor Ciaran Cronnelly raised concerns about community engagement, particularly for residents near Hutton Moor Lane. Councillor Bridget Petty sought clarification on the indicative costs and contingency provisions. Councillor Pryke questioned the total cost, referencing the estimated £4.6 million for contingency arrangements. Councillor Bridger confirmed that officers were working on a contingency plan and that community engagement would be a consideration. He also addressed concerns about the ownership of waste and recycling infrastructure, noting that most councils own their key assets.

The report detailed the need for a new depot due to the limitations of the current facilities, including capacity issues, the need to accommodate future growth, and the risk associated with the leased depot site. The proposed solution involves consolidating services at Aisecome Way and Avoncrest, creating a state-of-the-art facility. The financial implications include an initial £2.5 million for Stage 1 and an estimated £53.5 million for Stage 2, with potential funding sources including revenue from recyclables, waste grants, borrowing, and the revenue budget. The report also outlined legal implications, confirming the Council's statutory duty to provide waste management services, and climate change implications, including the potential for fleet electrification and renewable energy integration.

Youth Justice Plan 2026-27

The Council approved the North Somerset Youth Justice Plan for 2026-27, presented by Councillor Catherine Gibbons, Cabinet Member for Children's Services, Families, Skills and Lifelong Learning. The plan outlines a partnership vision to prevent children from entering the criminal justice system, protect them from harm, reduce offending and reoffending, support victims, and improve outcomes for vulnerable children.

Councillor Gibbons highlighted the service's achievements, including a reduction in first-time entrants to the criminal justice system, a decrease in reoffending rates to 27%, and no new custodial sentences. She also acknowledged the increasing complexity of needs among children coming into contact with the service, such as exploitation and trauma. The plan includes nine priorities for the coming year, focusing on areas like reducing violence, improving victim support, and increasing participation in education, training, and employment.

During the discussion, Councillor Nicola Holland raised questions about successful methods for addressing the over-representation of girls and the whereabouts of the 4% of children not in suitable accommodation at the end of their involvement with youth justice. Councillor Stuart Davies inquired about the drivers behind the improvements and suggested adopting a red, amber, green light system for performance monitoring, similar to other areas. Councillor Bridget Petty commended the report and the significant reductions in violence and assaults on emergency workers. Councillor Catherine Gibbons responded to questions, noting that mental health and unmet SEND needs were key factors for girls and that efforts were being made to find suitable accommodation for all children. She also welcomed the suggestion of a quarterly performance report and the possibility of councillors visiting the service.

The plan emphasizes a Child First approach, with a focus on early intervention, trauma-informed practice, and partnership working. It aligns with national youth justice reform agendas and aims to build on existing successes while addressing ongoing challenges. The financial implications indicate that the plan will be delivered within existing budgets.

Development of North Somerset's Residential Homes and Moving Children on from Residential Care

Councillor Catherine Gibbons also presented a report on the development of North Somerset's two new children's residential homes, Haven House and Strawberry House, and the work being done to support children moving on from residential care. The report was for noting, with no decision required.

Councillor Gibbons explained that the development of these homes was part of the Council's Sufficiency Strategy to increase local residential provision, enabling children to remain within their communities and maintain important connections. Haven House, located in Weston-super-Mare, will accommodate up to three children aged 11-18 and includes a dedicated community space for family outreach work. Strawberry House, in Winscombe, will provide accommodation for up to three children and young people, with a sensory and wellbeing space.

Concerns raised by local residents regarding traffic, parking, noise, and privacy were acknowledged, and Councillor Gibbons assured that engagement with the community would continue. She also clarified that planning permission for Strawberry House had not yet been granted, correcting an error in the original report.

The report highlighted the importance of the Family Connections model, which integrates residential care with intensive family support to prevent children entering care where possible and to facilitate safe reunification when appropriate. The development of these homes is expected to reduce reliance on out-of-area placements and improve long-term outcomes for children.

Councillor Ashley Cartman welcomed the report and inquired about plans for opening further council-run homes, noting the potential for cost savings. Councillor Joe Tristram thanked Councillor Gibbons for acknowledging residents' concerns and emphasized the importance of ongoing communication and community integration. Councillor Bridget Petty requested information on potential cost savings from scaling up local provision. Councillor Sue Mason expressed thanks for the report and the progress made in providing local care options.

Petition Regarding Hewitt Road Traffic Restrictions

Councillor Catherine Gibbons presented a petition from residents of Hewitt Road, Milton, Weston-super-Mare, requesting the implementation of traffic restrictions to prevent motorists, including commercial and heavy vehicles, from using the narrow residential road as a rat run. The petition highlighted that the restrictions would improve the local environment, reduce pollution, and enhance road safety for pedestrians and schoolchildren. Councillor Gibbons noted that the recent resurfacing of Hewitt Road had inadvertently made it more attractive for speeding.

Announcements and Farewell to Nick Brain

The meeting included announcements from the Chairperson, Leader, and Chief Executive. A significant portion of this section was dedicated to bidding farewell to Nick Brain, the Assistant Director Governance and Monitoring Officer, who was retiring after 36 years of service. Tributes were paid to his dedication, compassion, humour, diligence, and impartiality, with many acknowledging his invaluable contribution to the smooth running of the council. David Clark was welcomed as his replacement.

Other Business

The Council also noted the Forward Plan and received questions from members on various topics, including parking charges in Clevedon, business impacts of council policies, local plan allocations, postal delays, support for unpaid carers, reliability of the mobile library service, cultural and arts strategy, vegetation management in Weston Village, and commercial waste bin management in Weston town centre.

The meeting concluded with the Chairperson thanking everyone and formally closing the proceedings.