Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Peter McDonald.

None.

To agree the minutes of the meeting held on 4 February 2019 as a correct record.

The minutes of the meeting held on 4 February 2019 were agreed as a correct record, subject to the inclusion of the following recommendation in minute 5, Waterbeach New Town: “The Committee recommended that the project should exceed clause 9 of SS/7, which was in line with the Local Plan and the administration’s zero carbon target.”

Oral report to include Zero Carbon Future Conference and development of a Climate Strategy.

The Chairman congratulated Siobhan Mellon on her appointment to the Council’s new post of Development Officer – Climate and Environment and welcomed her to her first meeting in her new role.

The Chairman reminded the Committee of the Zero Carbon Future symposium on 21 May at the Pitt Building in Cambridge, which would be opened by the Council’s Joint Planning Director. Attendance was by invitation.

To provide an opportunity for the developer (Countryside Properties) to inform the Committee regarding how their proposals mitigate climate change and address excellence in sustainable development, and provide the Committee with an opportunity to ask questions and comment.

The Principal Planning Officer introduced this item on the proposed development on Bourn Airfield. He drew the Committee’s attention to paragraphs 3 and 4 in the report, which committed the development to being an example of

·         sustainable development

·         healthier living

·         exceeding the sustainable design and construction standards established by the Local Plan.

The developers gave a presentation and then invited questions from the Committee.

Renewable Energy

Councillor Geoff Harvey suggested that the planned photo voltaic array would only deliver a small amount of the settlement’s energy needs. The developers explained that a number of different renewable energy sources were being considered and the wishes of prospective home owners would also determine how energy was provided on the site. The Committee expressed the hope that the development would deliver far more than the minimum of 10% of its energy needs from renewable sources. It was noted that the Chancellor had announced that there were be no more gas boilers installed in new homes after 2025 and this was likely to mean more electric heating on the site, particularly in the later stages of development.

Drainage

The developers explained that the run off from the site would be carefully managed and this could mean increasing the flow rate of the river. It was noted that the developers were working with the Wildlife Trust to manage the ecology of the area.

Land search

In response to questioning the developer explained that a thorough land search would be carried out on the old air field site and archaeologists would also be involved.

It was noted that the management fee for land maintenance was estimated at £200 per year for every home.

Sustainable transport

The developers explained that charge points for electrical cars would be installed on the site. It was noted that the settlement would be well served by public transport.

The Chairman thanked the developers for their informative presentation and answers.

To provide an update and note progress.

The Policy and Performance Officer presented this report, which updated the Committee on the Council’s Green Energy Investment programme, including projects at both South Cambridgeshire Hall and Waterbeach Depot.

High Level Assessment

It was noted that Bouygues had completed a High Level Assessment for the South Cambs Hall site, which provided a business case for seven energy conservation measures.

Electric transport

It was noted that further investigations should build on the electric vehicle charging point provisions within the High Level Assessment providing the Council with the option of charging visitors for recharging their electrical cars at the Council’s main office. It was  also noted that the Shared Waste service will be considering the transition to an electric fleet.

The Committee noted the report.

To consider the proposal, discuss and seek the Committee’s support for the proposal.

The Chairman presented this report from the Trees and Design Action Group on the benefits of systematic tree planting within the District. The Group had proposed planting trees and assessing its impact over time on agreed physical, social/educational and economic outcomes. There was funding from the Government for this.

It was noted that because this was an urban project, it made sense to focus on areas such as Orchard Park, as well as new developments. It was further noted that the A14 upgrade had removed many trees, which should be replaced.

The Committee voiced its support for this project and noted the report.

·         Investment in Green Energy Progress Report

·         Home Energy Conservation Act: 2019 Update

·         Draft Bourn Airfield Supplementary Planning Document

·         Waste water and flood risk management

The Committee added the following issues to its Forward Plan:

·         Construction Guide

·         Climate Strategy

·         Guidance on Listed Building

Members are asked to bring their diaries.

The Committee agreed to hold its next meeting on Tuesday 7 May at 3pm.