Agenda item

To receive an update on the Environmental/Climate Recovery workstream of the Gloucester Recovery Plan.

7.1      The Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Environment, Councillor Cook, introduced the plan and placed it the context of the four recovery themes – Return, Retain, Resist and Reimagine. He stated that he would welcome any additions or changes suggested by the Committee.

7.2      In respect of action CC4B, Councillor Hilton sought clarification on the term ‘sustainable’ and potential use of the airport for housing which would affect jobs in the area. Councillor Cook advised that changes in policy in relation to the airport was a potential option but that the Council would not be pursuing the closure of the airport.

7.3      The Managing Director advised that the basis of the proposals was as a result of a consultation organised by the Local Resilience Forum. A number of recommendations were county wide but originated from an independent body and as such, it was incumbent on the Council to consider them. The airport was pursuing several research strands to examine how air travel could become more sustainable and wanted to place itself as a leader in such research. The Managing Director further advised that the Climate Change Manager was undertaking work with Cheltenham to assess whether, in the short term, the airport could become more sustainable such as installing solar panels on the airport estate.

7.4      Councillor Stephens shared his view that the Council, as a shareholder, should not pursue recommending that people use air travel less. He queried whether the airport counted towards the commitment to carbon neutrality by 2030. He further stated that he would have preferred to have seen other matters addressed such as converting the bus fleet and the licensed taxi trade to electric vehicles.

7.5      Councillor Cook and the Climate Change Manager confirmed that the airport did not form a part of the target of carbon neutrality by 2030. Regarding sustainable bus travel, Councillor Cook advised that he had had discussions with StageCoach on this matter. He advised that several routes were lengthy rural routes and the type of battery was not suitable. Other means such as hydrogen fuel could be considered.

7.6      The Chair asked if the Council might consider introducing low traffic neighbourhoods as some other areas had. Councillor Cook stated that it could be considered and that the County Council had mooted some areas which could no longer permit cars.

7.7      Regarding action CC4C, Councillor Pullen stated that he was supportive of 20 mph routes. He highlighted that the police could only enforce, however, at 30 mph and queried how the 20 mph limit could be enforced. Councillor Cook advised that such matters were under the jurisdiction of the County Highways Team and that the City Council would be working closely with them.

7.8      Councillor Tracey expressed her support for 20 mph zones and that uniformity would be preferable.

7.9      Councillor Stephens moved that it be recommended to Cabinet that the airport be included as part of carbon reduction targets to be carbon neutral by 2030. The recommendation was put to the vote and was lost.

7.10    Councillor Stephens moved that it be recommended to Cabinet that, as part of climate recovery planning to enter urgent discussions with the bus operator to a) move vehicles on inner city routes to be powered by non-fossil fuels; b) on rural routes to consider non fossil fuels and c) to make progress on using non-fossil fuels in the private hire and taxi fleet. The recommendation was put to the vote and was carried.

7.11    RESOLVED that:- The Overview and Scrutiny RECOMMEND to Cabinet that: as part of climate recovery planning to enter urgent discussions with the bus operator to a) move vehicles on inner city routes to be powered by non-fossil fuels; b) on rural routes to consider non fossil fuels and c) to make progress on using non-fossil fuels in the private hire and taxi fleet.