Agenda item

To receive an update from Sustainable Devizes.

The Chairman invited Graham Martin of Sustainable Devizes to give a presentation to the meeting.

Mr Martin started by detailing hypothetically how Spring may look in around 2030 – 2040. This scenario detailed how COVID was an ongoing annual problem; temperatures were higher; technology had improved and was more prevalent; traffic was reduced; people worked less; and social credits were in place. Compared to today’s standards people would be poorer in terms of wealth, however they would be living in a sustainable society which valued health and community.

The 1987 UN definition of sustainability was given as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”.

Mr Martin explained the 3 pillar model of sustainability where the 3 pillars feeding into sustainability were economics, society and environment. This could create complex solutions.

It was stated that a good way to look at sustainability was as a venn diagram, where the three spheres of economics and business; social and culture and the environment overlapped to produce sustainability. It was explained that the key to looking at sustainability was to work across climate/environmental science and social sciences (economics, psychology and sociology) and adaptation planning was key.

Mr Martin hoped that the Devizes Area Board could engage in sustainability by:

·       Forming part of a ‘Sustainability Alliance’.

·       Having a standing agenda item at the Devizes Area Board on sustainability.

·       Planning for the future by undertaking a ‘future thinking’ exercise. 

Mr Martin felt that it was important to do this as the Devizes Area would be able to help shape its future. With a unified view of the future, coherent transition plans could then be developed, rather than have to make sudden adaptation plans in response to events. With coherent plans in place the Devizes area would be in a better position to leverage resources from the government, the local authority, business and voluntary organisations.

As stated previously Mr Martin felt that Transition Planning was key. This should include ‘Future Thinking’ as a method, where past and present trends could be used to develop scenarios. Whilst unlikely that any one scenario of the future would play out fully, one could pick the bits of the scenarios you really wanted to happen and the ones to be absolutely avoided and make plans.

Mr Martin explained that we should plan for:

·       Changing work patterns

·       Robotics & automation

·       COVID-19 Debt

·       Aging population

·       Social Care

·       Inequality of wealth

·       Soil degradation

·       Loss of biodiversity

·       Food insecurity

·       Air quality

Mr Martin requested that Devizes Area Board would engage as detailed above. The Chairman thanked Mr Martin and opened the topic up for discussion.

A debate followed where Members stated that as a democratically elected body it was a difficult topic. For example, regarding the implementation of cycle lanes, there were lobby groups on both sides as people often had opposing views. So, when the Council consulted, there was often not a clear mandate or any clarity on how to proceed.

Mr Martin stated that he wanted a clear mandate or intent from the board regarding sustainability and a forum or platform where these issues could be discussed. He acknowledged this would not be easy but wanted to empower the community.

In response Members stated that there was intent, which was why Wiltshire Council had declared a climate emergency and would be carbon neutral by 2030. Wiltshire Council was pro cycling. However, only 1% of the population cycle regularly and Wiltshire was a rural county so there were areas where people would have to use their cars. There were also limited budgets. It was hoped that natural thoroughfares to the centre of Devizes could be created that people could use. Members confirmed they would be happy to discuss these issues further in the future.

In response to a question from a member of the public Stan Jonik, Cllr Whitehead stated that installing fast electric car charging points was a difficult task, as the whole infrastructure needed to upgraded to accommodate these. Other agencies would need to be involved. Cllr Jacobs also stated that battery technology would improve so most people would be charging their electric cars at home.

John Schofield, of Sustainable Devizes gave a brief update on bike sustainability, following on from the cycling survey they had undertaken. A Cycle Friendly Devizes group had been formed with the simple remit to get more people cycling in the area. They would look at improving infrastructure, cycle routes, training and maintenance. Current efforts were focusing on the London road corridor and looking at alternative routes, for example from Devizes Marina, or through Quakers Walk. The group were looking at short term and longer term infrastructure plans.

Noel Woolrych stated that he had helped institute the London Road cycle route in 1998. He had been in conversation with Martin Reed regarding secure cycle parking and CCTV coverage. The aim was to look at where people actually park their bikes and implement secure storage there, with CCTV coverage.

The Chairman thanked everyone for their contributions.

At the end of the meeting Mr Martin requested clarity on the Board’s stance. It was stated that the board needed to discuss this further and also to consult with officers. Therefore, they would come back to Mr Martin either outside of the Area Board or at the next meeting.