Decision details

The Director of Public Health, Protection & Community Services provided Members with an update on the progress made with the Living Landscapes Project and sought approval for the future progression of the Project to address the climate and biodiversity emergencies.

Members were advised that the Project had identified key programmes of work across 29 potential locations that would be of significant benefit to promoting the biodiversity of areas of Rhondda Cynon Taf. The Director sought Cabinet consideration to progress appropriate external funding applications related to the Pilot areas and deliver the Pilot phase of the Project as set out in the report.

The Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities, Well-being and Cultural Services thanked the Climate Change Cabinet Steering Group for their consideration of the project over previous months and commented that the Authority was rich in biodiversity opportunities as illustrated with the 29 key locations identified within the report.  The Cabinet Member welcomed the advancements being made with project and referenced the extreme weather events witnessed across the County Borough and how some of the proposals would assist with water management across the landscape.

The Deputy Leader spoke of the climate change agenda and its high priority for the Council and referenced the importance of engaging with the voluntary sector to take forward this agenda.

Following discussions, it was RESOLVED:

1.    That following consideration of the current progress of the Living Landscapes Project and the work highlighted within the report to further enhance the countryside and natural habitats of Rhondda Cynon Taf, Cabinet agreed to approve the list and delivery of the 29 sites identified by the Living Landscapes Project and associated funding arrangements