Wellow Parish Council Environmental Policy

Approved 7 February 2022: Min 10.02.22

 Policy Statement

Wellow Parish Council aims to carry out its activities with environmental efficiency, actively seeking to protect and enhance the local environment and biodiversity within its area of operation whilst endeavouring to ensure wider adverse environmental impact does not occur as a result.

Context

Wellow Parish Council is situated within numerous environmental protection areas, including the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), the Bristol-Bath Green Belt, two Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), and a Conservation Area.

Wellow is nationally recognised for its important wildlife and natural heritage. Over many centuries the communities in Wellow have built around this beautiful landscape into what is now a thriving and idyllic Parish.

It is therefore of upmost importance that Wellow Parish Council, on behalf of the local community, act as stewards and safeguard this precious natural heritage, in order that generations to come continue to benefit from living in such a beautiful, natural place.

The Parish Council recognises that a climate emergency has been declared nationally and by Bath and North East Somerset Council within which Wellow sits.

Wellow Parish Council acknowledges the potential impact of its operations on the natural environment and seeks to minimise these impacts wherever possible.

Aims

Wellow Parish Council will strive to:
Reduce our carbon and environmental footprint in all aspects of our operations where possible, and evolve over time as new information/technology becomes available

Avoid the creation of unnecessary waste by adhering to a policy of considered, strategic

purchasing; recycle and reuse waste materials where possible; and dispose of all necessary waste through safe and responsible methods

Seek ways to reduce the impact that operating its assets has on the environment (by reducing energy needs for instance)

Encourage contractors & suppliers, acting on our behalf, to take a responsible attitude towards the environment

Respect and protect natural resources by practicing conservation and good management

Consider the environmental impact of every planning application and/or development proposal and favour those with the lowest impact, e.g. wildlife friendly, carbon neutral/low energy designs
Encourage local renewable energy schemes which will benefit the community of Wellow
Promote and encourage the use of sustainable transport within the parish and support projects which improve such methods, while also being suitable for the needs of our rural community
Promote a culture of understanding and participation in environmental issues through education, information and consultation
Support local initiatives aimed at climate change and or, biodiversity protection or enhancement

Comply with all relevant environmental legislation and update our policies and practices in line with any changes in legislation
Review all of our activities, products and services annually to evaluate their environmental impact