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Inspiring greener futures - Annual Plan 2023-2024

Annual Plan 2023-2024

  1. Deliver a Local Plan which sets higher environmental standards including net zero building, green gaps and addressing water neutrality.
    • Set ambitious environmental standards/requirements through the Local Plan.
      Action completed
  2. Show the way to Net Zero through engagement with our community and our emerging Climate Action Strategy.
    • Adopt the district-wide Climate Action Strategy to enable the Horsham District to become net zero by 2050.
      Action completed
    • Deliver an improved climate change training programme for staff.
      Action completed
    • Continue to implement the Council’s internal carbon reduction programme.
      Action completed
    • Switch over Horsham town centre cleansing vehicles from diesel to electric.
      Action completed
    • Continue with the programme of fleet replacement by buying four electric vans to replace diesel vehicles in the Recycling and Waste Service.
      Action completed
    • Order new litter and cleansing vehicles to serve sites across the District for fly tip removal and delivery of bins.
      Action completed
    • Replace traditional lighting with LEDs in Horsham District Council owned properties.
      Action completed
  3. Create nature diverse places for people to live in.
    • Establish pollinator corridors across the District, for wildlife to thrive, in conjunction with 'No Mow May'.
      Action completed
    • Further develop the Parish and Neighbourhood Climate Action Network.
      Action completed
    • Develop an animal welfare policy by March 2024.
      Action not yet complete
      Policy drafted, to be approved June 2024.
  4. Investigate the benefits and opportunities of Biodiversity Net Gain and carbon credits for Horsham District Council and landowners in the District.
    • Support the development of local nature recovery network strategies.
      Action completed
    • Consider the next steps for the Wilder Horsham District initiative.
      Action completed
  5. Help businesses and residents to waste less and recycle more.  
    • Research the financial and environmental costs and benefits of doorstep food waste collection.
      Action completed
    • Review District-wide provision of dog bins and consider if it’s adequate.
      Action completed
  6. Create safer routes for cycling and walking.
    • Agree council policy for all new strategic development sites to be designed as 15-minute walkable neighbourhoods.
      Action completed
    • Promote, require and make provision for active travel infrastructure within the Local Plan.
      Action completed
    • Develop plans to improve non-motorised access for people in the Bishopric and Carfax.
      Action completed
  7. Help residents and businesses to cut carbon emissions and water usage.
    • Develop a Sustainable Business Network to help businesses reduce their carbon footprint.
      Action completed
    • Use the One Planet tool to increase community collaboration for action on climate change.
      Action completed
    • Assess options to provide grants to Registered Providers to improve environmental efficiencies of family homes that would otherwise be lost from the affordable housing sector.
      Action completed
  8. Assist residents and businesses with the insulation of homes and premises.
    • Start the groundwork for rolling out a residential retrofit programme to reduce energy and water consumption.
      Action completed
  9. Support residents and businesses in switching to green technologies.
    • Support West Sussex County Council initiatives to roll out EV charge points throughout the District.
      Action completed