Greener City Spending Plans
The City Council has recently agreed its spending plans for the next financial year. The plans include several measures that the Green Party Councillors have argued for in budget discussions, such as:
- investment in improved recycling facilities (see here for details)
- recruitment of an energy officer to improve energy efficiency in Council buildings – saving taxpayers' money and reducing carbon emissions
- priorities for capital projects to include, as money becomes available, a fund for tackling fuel poverty the long-awaited skate-park and BMX facility at Eaton Park and the extension of the alley gates security schemes for local homes
 Thorpe Hamlet Green campaigner James Conway said: "If the Greens were running the Council we would take further steps such as concentrating the Transport Department on providing support for public transport, cycling and walking and focusing the Economic Development Unit on promoting independent businesses. However, I am pleased that the Green Councillors engaged productively in the budget discussions and that these improvements have been agreed."
Green County Councillors proposed an amendment to the County Council budget that included the establishment of a Climate Change Mitigation Fund for investment in energy-saving. Although the other parties did not support this proposal this year, the principle has been welcomed by many Councillors and officers at County Hall. Green County Councillors will continue to work on a scheme to be developed for the next budget round.
Back to top |
Hay Hill Stalls
Councillor Adrian Ramsay writes:
 The City Council has reached a compromise where some of the stalls on Hay Hill will be allowed to remain alongside the sculpture that is to be installed. Green Councillors have been arguing from the outset that the introduction of the sculpture should not need to result in stalls being moved. The new pitches that have been identified should be used to increase the number of stalls available – they are an important part of the local economy and there is a waiting list for pitches.
Back to top |
Comprehensive Recycling Strategy Agreed
The City Council has developed a strategy for improving recycling levels in Norwich. The strategy, which received support and input from all four parties at City Hall, will see parts of the city take on the two-wheelie-bin system that has been successful in other parts of Norfolk. However, the strategy recognises that this may not be suitable for parts of the city (such as flats and terraced areas) and the Green Councillors have been visiting residents to discuss options for these areas. The new scheme will be phased in from this autumn. Further details of how this will affect your area will be included in future newsletters. The strategy should ensure that there are more local recycling facilities for more materials across the city within the next couple of years.
Back to top |
advertisement 
|
News In Brief
The City Council Planning Committee has deferred a decision on an application for 14 houses, 99 flats and 7 office units at The Nest on Rosary Road. Local residents had expressed concern to the Committee and to Green Councillors about the density and height of this proposed four-storey development. The Committee deferred a decision so that the possibility of a smaller development, perhaps reduced by one storey, could be considered.
At the same meeting last month, the Planning Committee rejected an application to demolish the Cumberland Hotel building on Thorpe Road and replace it with 24 flats, four storeys high. Concerns related to the loss of a Victorian building and the effect of the proposed new building on the Thorpe Ridge Conservation Area.
At a recent public meeting of the City Centre Residents' Forum one of the concerns raised was about traffic levels and speeds on Recorder Road. Several residents have written to the Green Party about this. If you have any views on potential solutions to this problem please contact James Conway and the Green Councillors (details here)
Back to top |
