Decision details

The committee received an update on the council’s Carbon Neutral Programme and the refreshed Action Plan for 2045. Members were advised on progress toward the Council’s 2030 carbon?neutral target, including reductions achieved to date, ongoing challenges, and areas where further action was required.

The refreshed plan set out updated priorities, revised timelines and key projects to support both organisational and borough?wide emissions reduction. The Committee noted the continued work with partners, the need for sustained investment to meet statutory and strategic climate objectives, and the importance of integrating carbon considerations into service planning and decision?making.

Clarification was sought on the Goostrey tree?planting scheme, including its exact location and whether planting on Cheshire East owned farms could affect farm viability. It was explained that all council land had been surveyed to identify the most suitable areas for trees based on ecological value and land quality, ensuring that only land better suited to woodland was allocated.

Officers committed to providing a written response to the exact location within Goostrey but confirmed this was Goostrey Hall Farm.

The committee requested percentage gas reduction figures for Macclesfield Town Hall and the leisure centre and asked whether the leisure centre savings accounted for the three-month pool closure. It was also queried whether staff travel reporting included elected member travel and suggested exploring a shared minibus for visits. Officers agreed to supply the percentage reductions, confirmed that the reported savings reflected a fully?operational year, and undertook to investigate minibus options.

The committee queried if the council would support residents with plug?in solar schemes and whether the council remained open to tree?planting projects with partners, delivered at no cost. Officers confirmed both options were being explored, particularly across the sub?region, and that tree?planting partnerships would be welcomed where fully funded by external organisations.

RESOLVED (unanimously):

That the Environment and Communities Committee

1.    Note the progress made against the council’s carbon neutral target.

2.    Approve and adopt the refreshed Carbon Action plan 2026-2030.