EIR - Climate Emergency [Apr 2022]

We have set out a few questions which we would be grateful if you could provide in accordance with the provisions of the Environmental Information Regulations 2004. 

1. As a preliminary question we would be grateful if you could confirm the present status of your climate strategy and action plan and provide details of the achievements to date in the Council reducing its own emissions. 

In relation to land use planning: 

1. Please provide an update as to the progress made on the Mayor’s commitment to funding the woodland projects in Enfield and Havering to add to the Green Belt.  
2. Please provide further information on the status Metropolitan Open Land (MOL) extension plan.  
3. Please provide a note of all planning applications in the last 2 years that have been refused primarily on the basis of climate change concerns. 
4. Please provide details of all planning application in the last 2 years have been granted because they will or should be securing significant carbon reduction in the locality and the wider world. 

In relation to community engagement:  

1. Please confirm which other community groups/organisations the Council is working with on climate change and noting e.g. those that may have made a Climate Emergency Declaration or adopted any associated plans or strategies. 
2. Please could you provide an update on the Business Climate Change Programme launched in March 2021 to encourage businesses to reduce their energy consumption. 
3. Please provide details of any other local community action your Council is carrying on to pursue any plans and commitments relating to your Climate Emergency Declaration and any associated plans or strategies.  
4. In the Council’s opinion, is there any additional support from central government that could assist local authorities in meeting their carbon neutral targets?