Minute of Meeting of Climate Change and Sustainability Committee of 23 August 2023 for Approval
Perth and Kinross Council · 27 November 2023
Back to Climate Change and Sustainability Committee — 27 November 2023 and its agenda
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CLIMATE CHANGE AND SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE Minute of hybrid meeting of the Climate Change and Sustainability Committee held in the Council Chambers on 23 August 2023 at 9.30am. Present: Councillors R Watters, L Barrett, H Anderson, D Cuthbert, J Duff (substituting for Councillor N Khogali), A Forbes, D Illingworth, G Laing, T McEwan, G Stewart and J Welch; and Mr R Oram. In Attendance: B Renton, Executive Director (Communities), M Butterworth, A Clegg, L Cassidy, D Grant, S McCann and H Wilson (all Communities); S Hendry, K Molley, A Taylor, A Brown and M Pasternak (all Corporate and Democratic Services). Apologies: Councillor N Khogali. Councillor R Watters, Convener, Presiding. The Convener led the discussion on Items 1-5, with Vice-Convener L Barrett on Item 7. 1. WELCOME AND APOLOGIES Councillor R Watters welcomed everyone to the meeting and an apology was noted above. 2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST There were no Declarations of Interest made in terms of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct. 3. MINUTE OF MEETING OF CLIMATE CHANGE AND SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE OF 31 MAY 2023 The minute of meeting of Climate Change and Sustainability Committee of 31 May 2023 was submitted and approved as correct record. 4. CARSIE GREEN, BLAIRGOWRIE REWILDING OBJECTON – PETITION In line with the Perth and Kinross Council Petition Procedure a petition titled ‘Carsie Green Rewilding Objection’ (23/221) was submitted for consideration along with an Officers Briefing Note in response to the Committee (23/222). The Lead Petitioner declined the invitation to attend and address the Committee. Councillor B Brawn, as a local ward member, addressed the Committee and answered Members’ questions. THERE FOLLOWED A SHORT RECESS AND THE MEETING RECONVENED AT 11.03AM. Motion (Councillor R Watters and L Barrett)
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(i) That we note the Petition (ii) That we continue with the current “Managing Grassland areas for Climate Change and Biodiversity” approach, which as I said, was unanimously agreed on 31 May 2023 by this Committee; and (iii) To ask Officers to continue to engage with local stakeholders, including the local elected members to develop a sustainable way forward at Carsie. Amendment (Councillor A Forbes and H Anderson) This Committee recognises the importance of achieving our climate change objectives and acknowledges that the “Managed Grass Areas for Climate Change and Biodiversity” policy forms a part of that process. The report to this Committee on 31 May 2023 (report 23/167 refers) agreed that the proposed plan would be developed in consultation with community groups and residents for approval by this committee at a future meeting. It is apparent that the selection of Carsie Green as a Managed Grass Area does not have the support of local residents and that, in accordance with the consultation processes agreed on 31 May 2023 and our proposed community engagement strategy, the area should revert back to the previous cutting regime while the public consultation on Carsie Green or a suitable alternative area for inclusion within the Managed Grass Area plan is conducted. In terms of Standing Order 21.1 a roll call vote was taken. 7 Members voted for the Motion as follows: Councillors L Barrett, D Cuthbert, G Laing, T McEwan, G Stewart, R Watters and J Welch. 4 Members voted for the Amendment as follows: Councillors H Anderson, J Duff, A Forbes and D Illingworth. Resolved: In accordance with the Motion. 5. PRESENTATION – LOCAL HEAT & ENERGY EFFICIENCY STRATEGIES (LHEES) D Grant, Climate Change and Sustainable Development Team Leader provided a slide-based presentation on the Perth and Kinross Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy (LHEES) and Delivery Plan (2024-29) Progress Update. D Grant answered members’ questions thereon. 6. PRESENTATION – SMART LOCAL ENERGY SYSTEMS It was agreed to defer this item to the next meeting of the Committee.
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7. NATURE RESTORATION FUND 2022-23 There was submitted a report by the Head of Planning and Development (23/220) (1) providing an update on the Nature Restoration Fund allocation received by Perth and Kinross Council for 2022/23 and 2023/24; and (2) setting out the proposed revised process to use the funds in the current financial year. Resolved: (i) The proposed revised process to allocate Nature Restoration Fund funding, be approved. (ii) The delegation of authority to approve community led projects to the Executive Director (Communities), be approved. ~~~~~~~~~~~