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Report from the latest Overview and Scrutiny meeting on 18 November 2021.
Councillors Review Garden Town Transport Strategy
Harlow and Gilston Garden Town Director Naisha Polaine attended Overview and Scrutiny for the HGGT transport strategy presentation by Ione Braddick of EFDC.
£171million of government Housing Infrastructure Grant has already been secured towards Garden Town infrastructure costs. Transport is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. The transport strategy is linked to planned growth across Harlow and strategic development sites on its boundaries with Epping Forest district.
It is designed to provide sustainable active transport with homes and facilities linked by pedestrian and cycling routes as well as good public transport leading to modal shift of between 50 and 60 percent meaning fewer car journeys and positive impact on climate change.
Overview and Scrutiny comments will now be incorporated into the report for the consideration of the Council’s portfolio holders, when the strategy comes to Cabinet for approval in January.
Climate Change Action Plan Consultation
Councillors were reminded to get their responses in to Epping Forest District Council’s Climate Change Action Plan consultation. Overview and Scrutiny Chairman, Councillor Mary Sartin referred councillors to the online consultation with a reminder to get responses in by the 5 pm deadline on Friday 26 November.
Homelessness
Cabinet Housing Portfolio Holder Councillor Holly Whitbread was pleased to confirm that the council doesn’t currently have any families in temporary bed and breakfast accommodation for more than 6 weeks. Councillor Whitbread also confirmed that there were no immediate plans to change the homeless persons accommodation at Norway House but that options for future improvements were always open to review.
Cardboard Recycling
Councillors were reminded of the request for residents to place cardboard in recycling sacks for collection by the Council’s waste contractor Biffa. Councillor Sartin confirmed current recycling rates of around 60 per cent.
Electric Vehicle Charging
Councillors asked that the plans for public electric vehicle charging at Oakwood Hill East car park be noted as part of the council’s climate change actions.
New Hospital progress report
It was confirmed that a presentation will be received at the next meeting of Overview and Scrutiny on the development of the new Princess Alexandra Hospital.
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