The Climate Change & Nature Recovery Service Transformation Committee met on Monday 09 September 2024. The committee approved the status report for Swansea's Local Area Energy Plan. The committee also noted updates on No Mow May trials, the Local Development Plan, and the 2024-2025 work plan.

Local Area Energy Plan - Status Report

The committee approved the status report on Swansea's Local Area Energy Plan (LAEP). This plan outlines a comprehensive vision for Swansea's future energy system, aiming to achieve a net-zero energy system by 2050. The LAEP consists of two documents: the primary plan detailing the context, vision, potential interventions, and an action plan, and a Technical Annex providing more in-depth information. The plan considers three potential pathways: Do Nothing, Widespread Engagement, and Widespread Hydrogen, with Widespread Engagement being identified as the preferred scenario due to its cost savings and lower impact on consumer bills. The report detailed intervention areas such as building efficiency, heating, transport, industry, renewable generation, and energy network impacts, leading to fifteen priority actions. The plan is currently being translated into Welsh and will be published on the Council's website. The committee discussed various aspects, including electric vehicle (EV) charging, the circular economy, and partnership working with neighbouring authorities. Councillor A S Lewis, Deputy Leader of the Council, provided an update on ongoing EV charging work.

No Mow May Trials

Jeremy Davies, Group Leader Parks & Cleansing, and Mark Barber, Biodiversity Natural Environment Officer, provided a verbal update on the No Mow May trials. This initiative, promoted by the charity Plantlife, aims to restore plant and fungi habitats by encouraging less frequent mowing. The council's approach included not cutting in May, cutting certain sections, or not cutting for extended periods, which generated public queries. The committee heard that the council had previously undertaken cut and collect procedures, which were found to be more beneficial for maintaining species-rich vegetation and curbing dominant plant growth than No Mow May trials. The cut and collect method was noted as resource-intensive but had resulted in observed increases in wildflowers and the planting of additional species. The council intends to expand cut and collect provision, viewing it as more beneficial than No Mow May. Discussions also touched upon fly-tipping in overgrown areas, communication strategies, and the need for specialist equipment. The committee resolved to note the contents of the update.

Local Development Plan (LDP)

Tom Evans, Placemaking and Strategic Planning Manager, provided a verbal update on the Local Development Plan (LDP). He outlined the process for replacing the current LDP, with the pre-deposit document and preferred strategy to be presented to the Council before the end of the year, followed by a public consultation. The committee was informed that a report detailing the LDP deposit plan would be presented in January 2025. Discussions covered brownfield and greenfield sites, protecting biodiversity, Section 106 principles, overarching objectives, public consultation, and green infrastructure. The committee resolved to note the contents of the update.

Work Plan 2024-2025

The Chair presented an updated Work Plan for 2024-2025. It was noted that the Swansea Council Sustainable Food Policy Draft would not be ready for the scheduled date of 2 December 2024, and the meeting on that date would be a workshop session. Councillors were invited to submit potential discussion topics. The committee resolved to note the contents of the report.

Disclosures of Personal & Prejudicial Interests

In accordance with the Code of Conduct adopted by the City & County of Swansea, Councillor S J Rice declared a personal interest in the agenda as a whole.

Minutes

The minutes of the previous meeting held on 15 July 2024 were approved and signed as a correct record.