Appendix 3: Biodiversity and Climate Change Action Plan Status and RAG
RAG (Red-Amber-Green) ratings, also known as ‘traffic lighting,’ are used in the table below to summarise the status of specific actions, where green denotes ‘currently being implemented or on track’, red as ‘incomplete’ and amber as ‘delayed’. The following table details, by theme, each action in the Biodiversity and Climate Change Action Plan, its responsible officer, timescale, status and RAG.
|
Responsibility |
Timescale |
Status |
RAG |
||
|
1.0 |
Transport |
|
|||
|
1.1 |
Draft Local Plan to: · Establish policies that enable the infrastructure required for low carbon vehicles
· Ensure policies encourage and enable development proposals which give priority first to pedestrian and cycle movements, both within the scheme and with its surrounding areas; and second to facilitating high quality public transport connectivity. |
Claire Weeks
Mark Egerton Helen Garnett |
2020-22 |
Started – Incorporated as part of local Plan review POLICY LPRSP14(C) – CLIMATE CHANGE includes prioritising active travel by ensuring good provision and connectivity of walking and cycling routes. |
Green |
|
1.2 |
Work with KCC to develop Maidstone Integrated Transport Strategy (ITS), and Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan, as part of the Local Plan review to promote and support a modal shift to walking, cycling, public transport, and electric vehicles |
Mark Egerton |
2020-22 |
Started – Incorporated as part of local Plan review POLICY LPRSP12 – SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT includes the provision of attractive and safe walking and cycling routes with adequate cycle parking is incorporated within the updated ITS. The borough’s walking environment, its walking routes and its public realm will be developed and improved through local plan policies, the ITS, the IDP, and through the Green and Blue Infrastructure Strategy. These strategies and documents, together with the adopted Maidstone Walking and Cycling Strategy, will have the aim of increasing the proportion of trips made by walking and cycling in the borough by 2037. |
Green |
|
1.3 |
Produce a business case for the introduction of a workplace parking levy to fund active travel or public transport |
James Wilderspin |
2024 |
Not due to start |
|
|
1.4 |
Develop a travel plan for council staff that sets out objectives and an action plan to encourage the shift to electric and ultra-low emission vehicles, more working from home, more sustainable travel patterns and an increase in the use of public transport and active transport modes through: · Parking management on council premises · Discounted public transport · Fares · Pool cars · Audio and video conferencing · Car-sharing · Electric bikes · Remote and home working · Promoting fuel efficient driving techniques to all staff Update travel expenses policies generally and avoid any perverse incentives. Update before any moves to new premises. Include any learning from working practices that changed due to COVID-19. |
Georgia Hawkes James Wilderspin |
2021 |
Started – this action’s implementation is delayed to 2022 due to COVID19 mandated change of working habits across council personnel. However, progress has been made with several meetings with car club operators held, discount public transportation fares are currently being assessed, and electric bike schemes are being researched. |
Green |
|
1.5 |
Develop policies and increase remote working to reduce travelling to work and office energy needs, without a reduction in outputs or access to services. Uses any learning from new working practices adopted due to COVID 19 responses. |
Georgia Hawkes Bal Sandher |
2021 |
Started – flexible and digital working has continued to be encouraged at the council and a travel hierarchy is to be implemented in 2022. Delays to this action is due to COVID19 mandated change of working habits across council personnel |
Green |
|
1.6 |
Influence design and specification of any new office building to ensure infrastructure enables EVs and low-carbon energy charging infrastructure for them and supports active travel with bike storage, lockers and showers and supports digital working. |
Georgia Hawkes James Wilderspin |
2020 to when any new building completed |
Started – with the example of MBC’s new Innovation Centre, EV infrastructure, bike racks, green walls have been utilised and will be used as a standard for future design specifications. |
Green |
|
1.7 |
Have regard to the Kent and Medway Energy and Low Emissions Strategy and its emerging policies relating to electric vehicles. Liaise with KCC, district network operators and other relevant partners. Seek grant and other forms of funding to support this. Seek and take opportunities to provide one or more charging hub. |
John Littlemore Claire Weeks Alex Wells James Wilderspin |
2020-30 |
Started – MBC is currently seeking options for larger scale role out of EV charging stations and Parking Services team is developing an EV Strategy forthcoming in 2022 |
Green |
|
1.8 |
Use advice from the Energy Saving Trust (EST) Local Authority Transport Service to facilitate a move to electric taxis. Liaise with relevant partners to monitor use and ensure infrastructure is provided appropriately. |
Lorraine Neale James Wilderspin |
2021-2030 |
Started – ongoing discussions and initiatives are being sought in partnership with Maidstone’s local taxi companies to increase the uptake of EVs |
Green |
|
1.9 |
Draft new licensing policy to reduce number of taxis using fossil fuel by more than 90% by 2030 and by 100% by 2036 |
John Littlemore Lorraine Neale James Wilderspin |
2021 |
Unable to complete – unable to be completed due to licensing committee not agreeing the policy based on concerns raised by the taxi trade. BCC manager is currently scoping alternative options in partnership with the local taxi firms to seek alternatives for encouraging taxi EVs |
Red |
|
1.10 |
Promote workplace vehicle chargers (and current government Workplace Charging Scheme) |
Chris Inwood |
2020 until scheme ends |
Started – several EV charging points are being scoped for the MBC Crematorium, Museum and office buildings |
Green |
|
1.11 |
Promote ECO stars recognition scheme to fleet operators |
Chris Inwood |
2020 until scheme ends |
Not Started |
Amber |
|
1.12 |
Work with KCC to gather baseline data on the buses operating in the borough and their Euro classification. Support operators to develop their commercial networks in the borough, ensuring that the borough’s infrastructure is bus friendly. Work with the Quality Bus Partnership to identify actions to support bus companies to switch to clean technology. |
Duncan Haynes |
2020-30 |
Started |
Green |
|
2.0 |
Buildings |
|
|||
|
2.1 |
Support Kent County Council to explore the potential for Combined Heat and Power systems and District Heating scheme developments across the community |
Rob Jarman |
2020-2021
|
Started – the Maidstone Heat Network funding has been secured and the project will serve over 100 homes and the prison in the town by 2024. The BCC Manger is seeking to add additional buildings to network planning in 2022 |
Green |
|
2.2 |
Promote access to schemes to residents, landlords and housing associations, for retrofitting insulation to existing homes including ECO3, LA Flex and the Green Homes Grant Scheme |
Nigel Bucklow James Wilderspin |
2020-30 |
Started – MBC has agreed terms and continues to support local housing associations apply for grants and is seeking opportunities in 2022 as part of the social housing decarbonisation fund |
Green |
|
2.3 |
Investigate how to support low carbon heat networks |
Mark Egerton |
2020-22 |
Started – Maidstone Heat Network Project led by KCC delayed |
Green |
|
2.4 |
Promote low carbon heating including government domestic and non-domestic renewable heat incentive scheme and any other suitable schemes |
James Wilderspin |
2020 to scheme end |
Started |
Green |
|
2.5 |
Enforce Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015
|
Nigel Bucklow |
2020-30 |
Started |
Green |
|
2.6 |
Promote water efficiency to residents in partnership with South East Water |
James Wilderspin |
2020-30 |
Started |
Green |
|
3.0 |
Generate Renewable energy |
|
|||
|
3.1 |
Use Local Plan review to investigate how to encourage on-site renewables on all types of new developments |
Mark Egerton |
2020-22 |
Started – As part of local plan review POLICY LPRSP14(C) – CLIMATE CHANGE includes support the provision of renewable energy infrastructure within new development.
Also, POLICY LPRINF3: RENEWABLE AND LOW CARBON ENERGY SCHEMES are incorporated into local plan review process. |
Green |
|
3.2 |
Support residents, businesses and third sector to install renewable energy generation by providing information and promoting grants and savings schemes |
James Wilderspin |
2020-30 |
Started – monthly business newsletters now include green financing/grants, carbon footprints and sustainable business practices and tips |
Green |
|
3.3 |
Encourage and support community energy projects. Assess viability of these for carbon offsetting |
James Wilderspin |
2020-30 |
Started – the BCC manager is currently scoping options for joint renewable energy partnerships and investment options. |
Green |
|
4.0 |
|
||||
|
4.1 |
Increase percentage of waste re-used recycled/composted by; · Encouraging residents to separate food and recyclables (particularly metals and textiles), use appropriate bins and avoid contamination. · Reviewing, and where possible, improving recycling facilities for flats and those with communal collections · Waste and recycling guidance with as much planning weight as possible to be adopted for all new developments. · Assess feasibility of weekly recycling collections |
Graham Gosden |
2020-30 |
Started – the Biodiversity and Climate Change Engagement Strategy, which includes awareness raising on composting and recycling is rolling out in 2022, in partnership with local community groups, and will encourage widescale behaviour change to increase recycling and composting for residents. |
Green |
|
4.2 |
Create and implement a plan to ensure all types of waste are processed in or as close to the borough as possible |
Graham Gosden |
2021-23 |
Started |
Green |
|
4.3 |
Introduce recycling into the street cleansing service including offering community litter picks the opportunity to recycle the waste they collect |
John Edwards |
2022-22 |
Started |
Green |
|
4.4 |
Reduce fly-tipping |
John Edwards |
2020-25 |
Started |
Green |
|
4.5 |
Investigate options to encourage home composting and using an anaerobic digester to process the domestic food waste collected. |
Graham Gosden
|
2021-22 |
Started |
Green |
|
5.0 |
Adapting to climate change |
|
|||
|
5.1 |
Provide policy on climate change adaptation in Local Plan review, including consideration of flooding, heat and drought. |
Mark Egerton James Wilderspin |
2020-22 |
Started - As part of local plan review POLICY LPRSP14(C) – CLIMATE CHANGE requires the integration of blue-green infrastructure into qualifying new development in order to mitigate urban heat islands, enhance urban biodiversity, and to contribute to reduced surface water run off through the provision of SuDS.
Additionally, POLICY LPRQ&D 1: SUSTAINABLE DESIGN is incorporated into the local plan review process to ensure new developments mitigate climate impacts in their design.
Strategic flood risk assessment takes account of increased risk of flooding rising from climate change
This action is also integrated in to the forthcoming Design and Sustainability DPD |
Green |
|
5.2 |
Ensure Local Plan review considers level of current and future flood risk and developments are planned accordingly. |
Mark Egerton |
2020-22 |
Started |
Green |
|
5.3 |
Use Severe Weather Impacts Monitoring System (SWIMS) to understand impacts of severe weather in borough. Work with Kent County Council to implement actions from the Climate Change Risk and Impact Assessment in the borough.
|
Uche Olufemi James Wilderspin |
2020-30 |
Started |
Green |
|
5.4 |
Mark Green |
2020-30 |
Started |
Green |
|
|
5.5 |
Work with Medway Flood Partnership to · Develop a funding strategy to identify and secure additional resources for natural flood management. · Build local communities’ resilience to flooding |
Mark Green Uche Olufemi |
2020-30 |
Started |
Green |
|
5.6 |
Review our arrangements around our estate, parks and recreation facilities in severe weather situations as part of business continuity management |
Uche Olufemi |
2021 |
Started – this action is currently still ongoing to 2022. |
Green |
|
5.7 |
Uche Olufemi James Wilderspin |
2020-30 |
Started |
Green |
|
|
5.8 |
Support local businesses to be resilient to climate change including referring to Kent Prepared website
|
Chris Inwood |
2021 |
Not Started – this action is delayed to 2022. However, through the business newsletter local business have been supported through awareness raising and the option to contact the council for advice. |
Amber |
|
6.0 |
Enhance and increase biodiversity |
|
|||
|
6.1 |
Draft Local Plan to; · Require biodiversity net gain within the borough. · Ensure Garden Communities are an exemplar for biodiversity and deliver semi natural open space. · Increase tree coverage and other wildlife habitats to allow biodiversity in new developments. · Ensure that sustainable urban drainage schemes maximise biodiversity potential |
Mark Egerton |
2020-2022 |
Started - Incorporated into Local Plan Review is: · POLICY LPRSP14A: A minimum of 20% biodiversity net gain expected to be delivered on-site and Development proposals will be expected to demonstrate the protection of natural landscape assets including Ancient Woodland, veteran trees, hedgerows and features of biological and geological interest. · Recognised garden city principles · A full suite of open space will be delivered in accordance with Policy INF1 including natural/semi natural open space · The green and blue infrastructure is considered to be of such importance that a Green and Blue Infrastructure Strategy (GBIS) has been developed as a supplementary doc during the Local Plan Review Process. A green and blue infrastructure approach represents a means to positively tackle these issues. It can offer alternative flood mitigation strategies, such as Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) and the creation of water meadows.
Also comes under new design and sustainability DPD forthcoming |
Green |
|
6.2 |
Adopt Parks and Open Space Biodiversity Action Plan ensuring it is reviewed to keep up to date with latest practices. |
Andrew Williams |
2021 |
Completed – submitted to committee for approval |
Green |
|
6.3 |
Support and signpost community groups on tree planting and after care |
James Wilderspin |
2020-30 |
Started – the go green go wild website has been updated, and local community groups engaged as part of the Biodiversity and Climate Change Engagement Strategy |
Green |
|
6.4 |
Work with Kent County Council to draft common position statement on biodiversity (including ensuring maintenance regimes which protect and enhance biodiversity) |
Mark Egerton James Wilderspin |
2020-22 |
Started |
Green |
|
6.5 |
Liaise with Kent Wildlife Trust to · Promote relevant schemes to residents, schools and community groups to encourage them to enhance biodiversity in their gardens and grounds. · Provide information on habitat development and the benefits of it to nature and ecosystem services |
James Wilderspin Andrew Williams |
2020-30 |
Started – several projects with Kent Wildlife Trust including greening the town centre and education and outreach are currently being planned |
Green |
|
6.6 |
Work with Environment Agency, South East Rivers Trust, Kent Wildlife Trust and Medway Valley Countryside Partnership to enhance and expand wetland coverage in Borough (including removal of dams and culverts, achieving improvements to water quality and restoration of ponds, lakes, marshes, wet woodland and bogs) |
Rob Jarman James Wilderspin |
2020-30 |
Started – Project opportunities are in the process of being scoped to expand wetlands in the borough |
Green |
|
6.7 |
Work with partners to develop and implement a Nature Recovery Strategy, linking habitat restoration and creation to improve flood protection and water quality |
Rob Jarman James Wilderspin |
2020-30 |
Started
|
Green |
|
6.8 |
Rob Jarman James Wilderspin |
2020-30 |
Started – a partnership with the Kent Agricultural Society is being initiated to work with local farmers. |
Green |
|
|
6.9 |
Where feasible increase tree cover to 2/3 on our estate. Contribute to Kent aim to plant 1.5 million trees and aim towards national average tree cover of 16%. An emphasis on expansion and reconnection of existing woodland (including urban woods) will define this action |
Rob Jarman Andrew Williams James Wilderspin |
2021 -2030 |
Started – MBC has launched the Call for Tree Planting Projects to seek partners for widescale tree planting. In collaboration with KCC Kent Plan Tree Partnership large scale areas for tree planning and funding is being sought. |
Green |
|
6.10 |
Evaluate Council’s Go Green Go Wild work. Amend as needed and commit ongoing funds to ensure of work continues. |
James Wilderspin |
2021 |
Completed due to recommence with additional budget in 2022 |
Green |
|
6.11 |
Ensure that all MBC land and property holdings and land subject to MBC maintenance interventions maximise value for biodiversity |
Andrew Williams James Wilderspin |
2020-30 |
Completed with new biodiversity enhancing maintenance practices being implanted across MBC land and property holdings |
Green |
|
6.12 |
Audit trees on council land and create maintenance plan. |
Andrew Williams James Wilderspin |
2021 |
Started – A GIS mapping exercise has been conducted to audit the number of trees on MBC property, however this action is delayed to 2022 due to GIS technology requirements needed to complete the auditing |
Green |
|
6.13 |
Review our non-operational land to assess potential for enhancing biodiversity including allowing community groups to take responsibility for management |
Lucy Norman James Wilderspin |
2022 |
Started – BCC Manger currently seeking different options for non-operational land planting/wetland and community engagement |
Green |
|
7.0 |
Making our estate carbon neutral |
|
|||
|
7.1 |
Review commissioned Carbon Trust report on · Energy and water efficiency measures · Travel and investment in infrastructure · Onsite renewable energy generation Investigate how to fund recommendations from carbon reduction report including Public Sector Energy Efficiency Loan Scheme and options for revolving loan fund to pay for renewable energy developments that payback over time. Offset the 564 tCO2e carbon our estate will emit with the Carbon Trusts report recommendations implemented |
Lucy Norman Darren Guess James Wilderspin |
2020-30 |
Started – the procurement process has been completed to undertake a comprehensive feasibility study for decarbonising all MBC buildings. Building surveys and energy audits will be conducted in early 2022, with road maps and plans drawn out to retrofit and upgrade for decarbonising each MBC building by 2030 |
Green |
|
7.2 |
Measure MBC carbon footprint each year and report findings to relevant committee |
James Wilderspin |
Annually |
Started – 2021 calculations delayed to 2022 (Note: due to poor data quality the updated Carbon footprint has not been completed for 2021. MBC currently is in the process of upgrading all its buildings meters to automatic, along with instillation of fleet telematics software, updated calculations will be possible from 2022 with highly accurate automated data and integrated dashboard system) |
Green |
|
7.3 |
Buy 100% renewable energy for our buildings and operations where we control the supply |
Lucy Norman James Wilderspin |
2022 |
Started – Laser Energy are developing MBC roadmap to 100% renewable energy by mid-2022 |
Green |
|
7.4 |
Work in partnership to review our portfolio to identify those homes let as temporary accommodation eligible for insulation under ECO3 funding and arrange installation. Provide top up funding for any measures not fully funded under the ECO3 to ensure all homes let as temporary accommodation are energy efficient. Investigate whether measures could be installed under the Green Homes Grant Scheme |
Nigel Bucklow |
2020-22
|
Started |
Green |
|
7.5 |
Incorporate energy saving principles into our office accommodation strategy. Uses any learning from new working practices adopted due to COVID19 responses. |
Georgia Hawkes |
2021-23 |
Started |
Green |
|
7.6 |
Increase information held on leased buildings. Identify those with highest emissions to prioritise action. Use role as a landowner (e.g. at Lockmeadow) to ensure that Council-owned sites set a high standard for carbon reduction and demonstrate how to achieve biodiversity and combat climate change. |
Lucy Norman James Wilderspin |
2020-30 |
Started |
Green |
|
7.7 |
Provide LED lighting in the Maidstone Borough Council car parks that have not yet been improved |
Jeff Kitson James Wilderspin
|
2020-30 |
Started – 90% of MBC carparks currently utilise LED lights and is due to be 100% in 2022 as part of existing maintenance and upgrade schedule |
Green |
|
8.0 |
Implement a communications strategy |
|
|||
|
8.1 |
Support residents to understand the changes they can make to reduce, and prepare for, climate change and enhance biodiversity including; · Taking advantage of financial opportunities through energy efficiency and low-carbon energy generation measures · Creating less waste and increase proportion of recycling/composting. · Using less water · Buying from local businesses · Reducing red meat consumption in line with Eatwell guidance · Signing up to Environment Agency’s flood warning service · Work with KCC on joint campaigns where appropriate |
Julie Maddocks James Wilderspin |
2020-30 |
Started – the Biodiversity and Climate Change Engagement Strategy is being rolled out in 2022, with an event scheduled each month on different biodiversity and climate awareness and national campaigns |
Green |
|
8.2 |
Provide staff awareness information of biodiversity and climate change at induction, and job specific training. Each service area to have biodiversity and climate change induction, and job specific training. |
James Wilderspin |
2020-21 |
Started – delayed to 2022 due to COVID19 and to be part of engagement strategy |
Green |
|
8.3 |
Inform partner organisations and residents about the threats from climate change and the ways they and we can adapt to its impacts |
Julie Maddocks James Wilderspin |
2020-30 |
Started – delayed to 2022 due to COVID19 and to be part of engagement strategy |
Green |
|
8.4 |
Engage with and build support from key stakeholders and the wider public on enhancing biodiversity and addressing climate change. Engage with relevant national days of action |
Julie Maddocks James Wilderspin |
2020-30 |
Started - the Biodiversity and Climate Change Engagement Strategy is being rolled out in 2022, with an event scheduled each month on different biodiversity and climate awareness and national campaigns |
Green |
|
8.5 |
Support local businesses to · Use support available to reduce their emissions and generate their own power including liaising with KCC when LoCASE funding available. · Implement travel plans that promote walking, cycling and public transport. · Use the Kent Prepared website to raise awareness of how to prepare for flooding |
Julie Maddocks Chris Inwood James Wilderspin |
2020-30 |
Started – monthly business newsletters now include green financing/grants, carbon footprints and sustainable business practices and tips |
Green |
|
8.6 |
Liaise with Parish Councils to support their work on biodiversity and climate change |
James Wilderspin |
2020-30 |
Started – partnerships currently being sough on large scale tree planting projects |
Green |
|
8.7 |
Work with partners to address climate change and biodiversity effectively and sustainably |
James Wilderspin |
2020-30 |
Started |
Green |
|
8.8 |
Following successful legal action by Housing and Health Team regarding Category 1 Hazards of Excess cold and Building Control Team regarding buildings not built to required standard details to be sent to communications team who will draft press releases on Court cases |
Nigel Bucklow Robert Wiseman Julie Maddocks |
2020-30 |
No opportunity arisen yet |
|
|
9.0 |
Decision making process and governance |
|
|||
|
9.1 |
Provide briefings and training for Councillors and Officers on climate change and biodiversity to create a culture change and ensure climate change and biodiversity are integrated into decision making |
James Wilderspin |
2020-21 |
Started – the Biodiversity and Climate Change Engagement Strategy is being rolled out in 2022, Ongoing training is due to commence from 2022 |
Green |
|
9.2 |
Establish biodiversity and climate change overview and scrutiny committee |
Angela Woodhouse |
2020-21 |
Completed – A decision was taken to NOT put an O&S committee in place |
Green |
|
9.3 |
Ensure service plans consider biodiversity and addressing climate change and performance indicators are set as needed |
James Wilderspin Anna Collier |
2020-21 |
Completed |
Green |
|
9.4 |
Review guidance used to help managers plan their services to ensure opportunities for enhancing biodiversity and mitigating and adapting to climate change are taken |
Kathryn Moore James Wilderspin |
2020-21 |
Started – delayed to 2022 |
Amber |
|
9.5 |
Establish criteria for investment in climate change and biodiversity and invest to save schemes. These will consider (a) relative impact in terms of carbon reduction and (b) ease of delivery, such that expenditure is focused on deliverable, affordable initiatives that maximise impact on the carbon reduction target. |
Paul Holland James Wilderspin |
2020-21 |
Started – delayed to 2022 |
Amber |
|
9.6 |
Develop a corporate policy and approach to social value that incorporates enhancing biodiversity and reducing the council’s carbon footprint through the way we design, carry out and procure our services.
|
Ellie Dunnet Dan Hutchins James Wilderspin |
2021 |
Started – delayed to 2022 |
Amber |