General Comments

Climate change is the most serious threat facing our society. Scientific evidence tells us we must act quickly to avoid extreme and violent changes in our climate. Actions taken to reduce our CO2 emissions make sense as we face rising fuel and food prices.

Any plan for the next 15 years must make tackling climate change absolutely central to policy, moving to a low carbon economy is essential if Trafford is to continue to prosper and as such something needs to be included in the vision statement (page 25). For example,

"Trafford will play a leading role in the fight against climate change, supporting people and businesses across the borough to reduce carbon emissions and build a sustainable future."

Spatial Option 2 seems to be the most acceptable, certainly in terms of the Sustainability Appraisal, although we are concerned about a new road through green belt land. Other means of reducing congestion on the A6144 should be investigated: subsidised public transport, green cycle routes, managing development so that new industry is supported by a local workforce.

Policy Directions

L2 Regeneration/ W1 Economy

What support can Trafford offer to Green industries that will help the transition to a low carbon economy? Mention is made in W1 of supporting transition to key growth sectors, one of which is Energy and Environmental Technologies but more needs to be made of this. Perhaps the development of Carrington could focus on ‘green collar’ jobs. A paper recycling plant is planned; Trafford should work with AGMA and the RDA to encourage facilities to recycle plastic; or glass to manufacture glass-fibre insulation to upgrade our homes. We need environmentally sustainable companies that meet local needs.

L5 Climate Change

Clear targets for reducing carbon emissions should be set and then progress can be monitored. We recommend 9% per annum.

L7 Waste

First choice for dealing with household waste should be local re-use (swap-shops), recycling and community composting (an example is the Pepys Community Project, Deptford).

DM1 Design and Construction

New large scale developments such as Altair in Altrincham should achieve the BREEAM Excellent standard.

DM3 Water Management

If developments on Greenfield sites are to ‘achieve the highest levels of water efficiency’, why can’t all new developments achieve this?

DM4 Renewable Energy

Let’s not ‘seek to incorporate renewable energy or low carbon energy sources in all new developments’ but ‘insist’ on it.

DM5 Affordable Housing

If Trafford’s Housing Market Assessment found an overall need for 50% of new homes to be affordable why is the target contribution for affordable housing being set at 40%?

DM7 Accessible, Integrated Sustainable Transport

A 20mph speed limit on residential roads across the borough will create safer streets and encourage walking and cycling.

Car-clubs should be supported as a means of reducing the number of cars in use and encouraging a modal shift in transport choices.

DM9 Agriculture (and local food)

Trafford should develop a ‘Food Strategy’ that re-localises food supplies, starting with the Council and schools, but also making it easier for everybody to grow their own or buy local through allotments, farmers’ markets, community supported agriculture and other projects.

Sufficient space needs to be provided for an increase in allotments and perhaps new developments could be used to start a community supported agriculture scheme.

Bridget Green

On behalf of Trafford Green Party -  August 2008