Environment
Environment
To create a district of opportunity – a place where our communities can thrive, our people prosper and our environment is cherished for all to enjoy.
Priority 1
Protect and enhance our built and natural environments across the district, providing good access to open spaces and increasing biodiversity.
| Title | Outcome | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Enhance the play areas at Meadowside in Braintree and Oxford Meadow in Sible Hedingham. | Play areas fully refurbished incorporating inclusive play equipment that improves play value for individuals of all ages. | March 2025 |
| Develop a renewable energy Supplementary Planning Document (SPD). | Detailed guidance on the range of renewable technologies accepted by the Council including how to calculate the renewable energy requirement for future developments. | December 2024 |
| Upgrade the skateparks at Spa Road in Witham and Weavers Park in Braintree. | Skateparks fully refurbished providing a safe space for skateboarders and others to ride. | October 2024 |
| Revise the Councils Tree Strategy. | Manage and maintain the Councils own tree stock. Secure new landscaping through the planning process. |
March 2025 |
Priority 2
Continue to deliver a cohesive and integrated response to climate change adaptation and mitigation.
| Title | Outcome | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Develop a local Air Quality Strategy. | Compliance with the latest air quality standards and regulations. The strategy will contribute to a healthier and more sustainable environment. | March 2025 |
| Procure 14 Electric Light Commercial Vehicles (LCV’s). | Decarbonisation of the Councils fleet in line with the Councils commitment to climate change. Improved air quality across the district. |
September 2024 |
| Install solar panels at Witham Leisure Centre. | Reduction in carbon footprint. Longer term savings on energy costs. |
March 2025 |
| Take an active part in establishing a Climate and Environment Partnership and work programme across the North Essex Councils. | Commitment to work together. Increased resilience to work on the main climate change challenges affecting North Essex Councils. |
March 2025 |
Priority 3
Support residents and businesses to reduce their carbon footprint and be more resilient to climate related impacts.
| Title | Outcome | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Allocate funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to support at least ten Community Infrastructure initiatives in relation to decarbonisation. | Community infrastructure projects deliver a 5% reduction in carbon emissions contributing to a reduction in the districts overall carbon emissions. | April 2025 |
| Deliver a campaign to encourage motorists around schools to switch off their engines when stationary outside schools. | Motorists are more aware of the impact of vehicle idling. Reduction in air pollution and carbon emissions. |
March 2025 |
Priority 4
Improve the way that we manage waste and encourage residents and businesses to reduce, reuse and recycle more.
| Title | Outcome | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Collaborate with other Essex Authorities to establish and adopt a new Waste Strategy for Essex. | Tackling key challenges and promoting a sustainable and environmentally friendly future for the region. | July 2024 |
| Work with other authorities, including Essex County Council, to develop and deliver waste minimisation and recycling initiatives that deliver the on the requirements of Waste Reforms and Essex Waste Strategy. | Influence and change attitudes and behaviours to reduce waste, reuse and recycle. | March 2026 |
| Develop a waste Supplementary Planning Document (SPD). | Support planning policies by providing detailed guidance on the storage and management of recyclables and waste and the implementation of high-quality on-site waste management systems. | December 2024 |
| Deliver a behaviour change campaign to increase recycling, reduce waste and encourage re-use. | Residents and businesses reduce the waste they produce, reuse items and recycle more. | March 2025 |
Download the Annual Plan for 2024/25