Agenda and minutes

1.    Disclosable Pecuniary Interests

2.    ‘Other’ Interests

None

The Chair confirmed that the meeting was being broadcast live to the internet via the Council’s website and was capable of repeated viewing. The images and sound recording may be used for training purposes within the Council. All were asked to keep to the speaking guidelines which were outlined.  Any views expressed by any speaker in the meeting are the speaker’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of High Peak Borough Council.

Regarding the Climate Change Fund, it was suggested that education and awareness raising could be included within the specification.  Members were appraised of the application process and it was agreed that the wording would be amended as requested.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 28 July 2022 be approved as a correct record.

All matters were covered on the agenda.

Funding is available from BEIS (Department of Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy)  to upgrade houses which are owner occupied and for people on a low income.  The Council is part of a consortium through Midlands Net Zero Hub and approval would be sought for the procurement process and to access funding. The total fund is £610,000 split between houses which are on and off the gas grid and would aim to uplift houses (approximately 60 in total) that have a low energy performance rating.  Similar funding will be available in the future.

Support was expressed for the scheme, but it was queried how those selected for funding would be prioritised, as well as how the scheme would be communicated, as well as documenting good practice and how local tradespeople would be involved in implementing the scheme.  Members were advised that in conjunction with the County Council, training schemes were being put in place to upskill local supply chains and workforce to be involved in delivering the scheme.  Regarding targeting, a mapping exercise is being undertaken by Marches Energy Agency in conjunction with the contractor and the council to identify potential properties, but there would need to be a balance between the level of work required and the willingness of householders to engage with the programme, there are also constraints due to the PDNPA.

The deadline of March 2023 is fixed, but there may be some flexibility.  In response to comments, it was agreed that this is not an easy programme to deliver, and that some householders may feel that the measures required will be too disruptive.  Although some dwellings may be targeted, there will also be opportunities for applications to the scheme to be made.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.

Derbyshire Wildlife Trust have been commissioned to produce the Council’s Plan for Nature and the project plan is being finalised.  The phases would involve mapping and modelling from data sets, which would be planned for October – November – this would include updating the habitat and species data.  The next part is to identify any strategic gaps in habitat connectivity which leads into an assessment of key sites and opportunities for enhancing bio-diversity and identifying any gaps in connectivity.  This will include site visits and mapping and will lead to a set of recommendations.  Once sites identified, detailed field work will be carried out up to the start of March, with the focus being on sites in public ownership.  Once this work has been done, a bio-diversity bank will be produced to identify sites for bio-diversity net gain.  The final report will be end of May 2023.  It was suggested that DWT be invited to the next meeting to give more detail.

Members queried how this study was linked with the PDNPA and DCC.  Concerns were expressed regarding the Government’s approach to the natural environment, and more information was requested as it becomes available.

RESOLVED:

That the update be noted.

This is a National Campaign and various community events would be shared via social media.

Invitations for the Great Big Green Event on 20 October had been despatched, the event is for residents, community groups, council, parish councils etc to enable group to learn from each other around different topics.  There will also be stalls, an event vehicle, fantastic homes will be there for energy advice, AES for waste collection changes.  The Group were asked to share the invites amongst their networks.

To be convened towards the end of October.