The Climate Emergency and Sustainability Policy Development and Scrutiny Panel met on Thursday, 14 November 2024, to discuss waste management, climate and nature initiatives, and highway updates. Key discussions included the progress of the Keynsham Recycling Hub, the relocation of waste services, and upcoming waste legislation changes, alongside updates on the council's climate and nature recovery strategies and ongoing highway maintenance and active travel projects.

Waste Services Update

The panel received a comprehensive update on waste services, including the successful relocation of waste and recycling collection services to the Keynsham Recycling Hub in January 2024. This move has consolidated operations, reduced vehicle movements, and expanded commercial waste and recycling offerings. Discussions also covered the ongoing electrification of the fleet, with plans to introduce electric HGVs in 2025, and the development of new disposal contracts.

A significant portion of the update focused on the proposed relocation of the Bath Recycling Centre from Midland Road to Locksbrook Road. The planning application for the new site had received 168 objections, primarily of a localised nature. Several improvements were made to the application following feedback, including alterations to the drainage scheme, narrowing of the public vehicle entrance, and extending double yellow lines. The revised application required a further consultation period, with the planning committee decision anticipated in January 2025. The project also includes the refurbishment of the Locksbrook Road Transport Depot.

The panel was informed about upcoming waste reforms, including the Simpler Recycling Legislation, Extended Producer Responsibility, Digital Waste Tracking, a Deposit Return Scheme, and the inclusion of Energy from Waste facilities in the Emissions Trading Scheme. These legislative changes are expected to impact services significantly from March 2025 onwards.

Councillor Grant Johnson raised concerns about the lack of waste statistics in the report, specifically regarding tonnage sent to landfill, recycling rates, and electric vehicle numbers. An officer stated that full details could be circulated. Councillor June Player questioned the suitability of the Fullers Earth works site and the proximity of the proposed new Bath Recycling Centre to the Keynsham facility. An officer explained that the Fullers Earth site was unsuitable due to excess traffic, and the new site would operate with a booking system to manage traffic flow. Councillor Jess David asked about reducing waste in black bin bags, with officers highlighting food waste as a key target and mentioning a trial of recycling bags and a push for universal food waste recycling options.

Cabinet Member Update: Climate, Energy, Nature and Green Infrastructure

Councillor Sarah Warren, Cabinet Member for Climate Emergency and Sustainable Travel, provided an update on various initiatives. This included ongoing climate and nature conversations across the area, the launch of Climate Hub BANES, and progress on energy initiatives such as Green Open Homes, Retrofit West, and the Net Zero Council programme.

Updates on nature recovery included the launch of the West of England Local Nature Recovery Strategy, the BNG Pathfinder Project, the Landscape City Project, and the Somer Valley Rediscovered initiative. Councillor Warren highlighted the importance of green infrastructure delivery partnership programmes and the development of mapping tools to support decision-making.

Panel members asked about the true figures for carbon reduction, with Councillor Warren agreeing to check and provide the answer. Councillor Jess David inquired about a site visit to the Charlcombe biodiversity site, which Councillor Warren agreed to. Councillor John Leach asked about local planning policy driving biodiversity, and Councillor Warren stated the council was looking to increase its biodiversity net gain target from 10% to 20% and enhance sustainable drainage systems. Councillor Anna Box questioned how biodiversity net gain funding supports community groups, and Councillor Warren indicated that funding could be used both on-site and elsewhere.

Cabinet Member Update: Highways

Councillor Manda Rigby, Cabinet Member for Highways, provided an update on highway maintenance, active travel, and parking. Progress was reported on the Local Active Travel & Safety Programme, with several schemes completed, including zebra crossings and new drop kerbs. The Liveable Neighbourhoods programme, which aims to reduce traffic impact in residential areas, has secured £5.2 million in funding. Experimental Traffic Regulation Orders (ETROs) for Lansdown and Sydney Road were discussed, with data from the Sydney Road ETRO being analysed.

The council's commitment to Vision Zero, aiming to eliminate road deaths and serious injuries, was reiterated, with the adoption of a Safe Systems approach to road safety. This approach involves shared responsibility across safer roads, road users, speeds, vehicles, and post-crash response.

Councillor Joanna Wright raised concerns about pavement conditions in Lambridge and requested data on walking routes. Councillor Anna Box inquired about continued consideration for rural areas regarding highway improvements, and Councillor Alex Beaumont requested a meeting with a cycling officer to discuss Keynsham. Councillor John Leach asked about the replacement cycle for LED street lights, and Councillor Jess David enquired about reporting road marking issues. Councillor June Player highlighted that pavements and roads in the Westmoreland ward could be overlooked, and Councillor Grant Johnson raised issues with drains being covered during resurfacing work.

Panel Workplan

The panel noted the future workplan, which includes updates on the Housing Plan, Biodiversity Net Gain, progress on renewables for the Council Estate, water quality, the Annual Homelessness Update, the Movement Strategy, School Streets, and Vision Zero.