Agenda and draft minutes

To receive any apologies for absence from Councillors.

None.

To receive Councillors’ declarations of interest (if any) in relation to any matters on the agenda.

None.

To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 26 November 2020.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 26 November 2020 be agreed as a correct record.

Any matters arising from the minutes of the previous meeting.

None.

The Working Group received the draft Town Plan which would be going to Cabinet for approval in September 2021. 

Councillor Mike Garnett suggested that the “vision” be moved to the start of the document and that the wording “tip” be changed to waste and recycling centre.

Councillor John Strachan suggested that the Town Plan also refer to the potential for extending London Overground services to Harlow.

The Working Group received the Carbon Management Plan. Andrew Bramidge, Head of Environment and Planning, advised that a further report on the Climate Change Strategy would come to the Working Group later in the year.

Andrew Bramidge asked the Working Group to agree a target date for achieving net zero carbon emissions. He explained that the previous two Carbon Management plans had both seen a 25 per cent reduction in carbon emissions. Future plans would include changes such as the switch from gas boilers by 2030 as required by the Government and the move to electric vehicles (including HTS and Veolia).

The Working Group agreed a target of achieving net zero carbon emissions in advance of the Government deadline of 2050 whilst doing further work on the impact of measures introduced to be able to set a target that was based on evidence. The Working Group also requested a yearly report on the Council’s carbon footprint.

To review the Working Group’s work plan for the current year.

RESOLVED that the Work Plan was noted.

Such other business which, in the opinion of the Chair, should be received as a matter of urgency by reason of special circumstances to be specified in the minutes.

None.