Work to attempt to reduce the Council's carbon emissions, tackle climate change and support communities have yesterday (21 July) been given the green light by Cabinet.

The Cabinet agenda included plans to drastically reduce the number of Council buildings, the Climate Emergency Development Plan Document and Defra funding for Cornwall’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – which will play a significant step towards Cornwall’s ambition’s as the first net zero area in the country.

Today’s decision will look to pave the way for what could be a transformation of the Council’s estate which includes many buildings inherited from Cornwall’s six former district and borough councils.

With an ageing and costly estate, the Council plans to reduce the number of buildings from 200 by approximately two thirds – creating new ‘service hubs’ that could be put to use delivering services for residents.

The Council says the move could cut its buildings carbon emissions by around 70% as well as support high streets by increasing the number of people working closer to town centres.

The programme will also try to enable staff to work closer to home, which it hopes could significantly reduce the commute related carbon footprint.

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Welcoming the proposal, portfolio holder for the environment and climate change Martyn Alvey said: "This is an important step in our journey to reduce our carbon footprint as it will significantly reduce commuter miles whilst continuing to ensure that communities are placed at the centre of key decisions within their towns."

During the meeting Cabinet also recommended that a document aimed at making sure building developments contribute to ambitions to be net-carbon neutral by 2030 be submitted to the Government.

The document will now be presented to Full Council to make the final decision.

If adopted, the Climate Emergency Development Plan Document will sit alongside the Cornwall Local Plan and other policies and will be used for decision making on all development proposals. 

Cabinet also confirmed the Council will take part in Defra’s Farming in Protected Landscapes initiative, with a grant of up to £989,188 to support more sustainable methods of land management within the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Other decisions made at today’s meeting include support for the Council to act as the accountable body for the Government’s Community Renewal Fund and approval to proceed with Compulsory Purchase Orders on the Saints Trail route between Newquay and Perranporth.