Area of Development: Environment

Issue 16: The Environment

Objective

Actions

Success criteria and timescale

Progress

Date

16A

To ensure the maintenance, improvement and protection of the natural environment and access to it

16.1

In consultation with relevant groups and individuals develop a cohesive and sustainable strategy for environmental issues in the Town and Parish.

 Whitchurch has its own environmental strategy. [S]

Environmental forum established to support Town Council and coordinate action. [S*]

16.2

Ensure that the views of interest groups and individuals associated with protection of the environment are fully considered in planning decisions relating to Whitchurch to make sure that future developments do not encroach on environmentally valuable and sensitive sites.

Protection of the environment is full considered in planning decisions related to Whitchurch. [S]

a] Town Council always considers the environment when commenting on planning applications and consults the environmental forum. [S/M/L]

b] Planning Authority is aware that protection of the environment is a priority issue in Whitchurch. [S*]

16.3

Support the initiatives proposed through the Lottery funded Meres and Mosses Action Plan and ensure good liaison and partnership working.

The Meres and Mosses Action Plan is fully implemented. [L]

Whitchurch has benefitted from working in partnership with the Meres and Mosses Action Plan. [S/M/L]

16.4

Use information obtained through surveying and mapping of the Parish to enable the development of more green corridors to support wild life.

Existing green corridors remain protected and new areas have been created. [M]

Survey completed and map produced. [S/M]

16.5

Increase the planting of trees and hedges to support wildlife.  Engage with local farmers to encourage environmentally friendly approaches to their management of hedgerows and trees.

There are more healthy hedgerows and trees in the Parish. [M/L]

a] The whole community including local farmers involved in tree planting schemes. [S/M/L]

b] There is an environmentally friendly approach to the management of hedgerows. [S/M/L]

16.6

Improve the appearance of the approaches into the town, including the roundabouts on the bypass and the industrial estates. Seek sustainable sponsorship for improving traffic islands.

All approaches to the Town are attractive and well managed. [M]

a] Options for enhancing the appearance of traffic islands have been fully explore. [S/M]

b] The best options have been implemented. [S/M]

Meeting taken place between all SC officers responsible for highway and roundabouts to establish possibilities for improvements

Better Welcome Whitchurch keen to lead project

Nov 2011

Nov 2011

16.7

Initiate an anti-litter campaign to educate and involve the whole community with the aim of making Whitchurch a litter free Town and Parish.

Whitchurch Town and Parish is litter free. [S*]

a] Keep Whitchurch Tidy group established. [S] b] Anti- litter campaign evident across the Town and Parish. [S/M/L]

c] Highways Authority ensures road verges free from litter. [S/M/L]

 Contact being made with SC Environmental Enforcement Education Awareness Officer

 Nov 2011

16B

To increase usage and appreciation of the natural environment by residents and visitors

16.8

Shropshire Council, withlocal farmers and community action, work toprotect and improve the footpaths of the area to maintain rights of way for regular access and use by residents and to enhance the promotion of tourism.

All footpaths in the Parish well maintained and accessible. [M]

Footpath map and leaflet being produced – Whitchurch Walkers

Aug 2011

16.9

Produce an easy to understand map of the footpaths in the Parish.

Easy to understand map of footpaths in the Parish has been produced. [S]

Meres & Mosses officer has taken up idea

Aug 2011

16.10

Develop and distribute materials to encourage canal users to explore wildlife areas with access from the canal.

Greater numbers of canal users access wildlife areas in the Parish. [M]

16.11

Initiate a “Walkers are Welcome” weekend event in Whitchurch which would benefit businesses in the town.

Walkers are Welcome Weekends take place in Whitchurch. [M]

Group established to initiate project. [S/M]

 Work started on forming a group

Associate membership recorded

Meeting 

 Nov 2011

Jan 2012

Jan 31 ‘12

16C

To ensure that the demand for allotment space is met.

16.12

Shropshire Council to meet its statutory obligation to provide allotment space to meet local demand.

Shropshire Council has provided enough allotments to meet local demand. [S*]

Allotment issue highlighted in display in WTPP shop

Allotment spaces should be provided for in new LDF

Aug 2011

Nov 2011