Wrthi'n llwytho
Does dim crynodeb o'r cyfarfod hwn eto. Caiff un ei ysgrifennu pan fydd y cyngor yn cyhoeddi'r cofnodion. Mae'r agenda a'r papurau isod.
Resolved that Councillor M Jones be elected.
In accordance with the Code of Conduct adopted by the City & County of Swansea, no interests were declared.
Resolved that the Minutes of the Climate Change & Nature Recovery Service Transformation Committee held on 6 October 2025 be approved and signed as a correct record.
The Head of Property Services assisted by the Directorate Project Manager introduced a report which sought the STC's input into defining the core purpose and end state of the relevant programmes within the Corporate Transformation Programme. Following a recommendation from the Panel Performance Assessment (PPA) under the Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021, the PPA suggested the Council’s Corporate Transformation Plan (CTP) would benefit from clearer articulation and integration, especially concerning the purpose and desired outcomes of its transformation programmes for Swansea. The report sought STC input to better define the core purpose and end state for relevant CTP programmes, ensuring alignment with the Council’s strategic aims and effective communication throughout the organisation. The core purpose defined each programme’s fundamental reason, while the end state described the desired results once delivered. This approach supported the Corporate Plan 2023–2028, the Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP), and addresses key strategic risks. For the Climate Change and Nature Recovery strand, the report set out Swansea Council’s ambitions for nature recovery, achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2030 (NZ30), and contributing to Net Zero Wales by 2050 (NZ50/Project Zero). Activities included targeted habitat management, community engagement, ecological restoration, and embedding biodiversity in policy, underpinned by statutory duties and local action plans. Stakeholder engagement had improved through public consultations, regional collaboration, and volunteer-led activities, with ongoing efforts to strengthen youth engagement and involve underrepresented groups. The adoption of a formal Volunteer Policy and structured training had empowered volunteers, supported skills development, and bolstered environmental stewardship. Schools had also been actively engaged to foster environmental awareness and intergenerational learning. The end state is defined by clear targets for carbon reduction and nature recovery, in line with Welsh Government legislation and the Council’s own plans. These included ambitious emissions reduction milestones and a suite of biodiversity enhancement initiatives. However, limited resources mean ambitions must be realistic and affordable. The Committee was invited to help shape the core purpose and end state for each programme, ensuring the transformation reflected Swansea’s community priorities. The next step was to incorporate STC feedback into draft definitions for approval by the Corporate Transformation Board in January 2026. The main recommendation was to broaden the transformation board's remit to fully encompass both nature recovery and the goal of a net zero Swansea by 2050, ensuring alignment with the Council’s well-being objectives and the STC’s responsibilities. Members endorsed the report. Resolved that: 1) the core purpose of the Transformation Board be widened to include both nature recovery and aiming for a net zero Swansea by 2050. In doing so, it will align more appropriately to the CC&NR wellbeing objective and the CC&NR STC remit.
The Landscape and Green Infrastructure Principal Officer provided a ‘for information’ report and presentation on the delivery of the Swansea Central Area: Regenerating Our City for Welbeing and Wildlife. The Committee heard that Swansea boasted diverse natural habitats and significant heritage, featuring rare and threatened species. In February 2021, the Council adopted the Swansea Central Area urban green infrastructure (GI) strategy, aiming to enhance environmental resilience, wellbeing, and biodiversity. GI initiatives included installing green roofs and walls, downpipe disconnectors, wildflower and tree planting, swift boxes, and bioretention raingardens. These efforts improved water management, air quality, urban climate, and provide habitats for wildlife, while also supporting economic growth and public health. Since 2019, there had been notable installations such as Wales’ largest green roof at Amy Dillwyn Park, various green roofs and walls throughout the City, and multiple raingardens in Sandfields. The Council had also delivered extensive GI training, conducted biodiversity audits, and produced online resources to raise awareness. A countywide GI strategy was being developed with Natural Resources Wales, taking a broad, landscape-focused approach to further adapt Swansea to climate change and enhance its environment. Stakeholder engagement had included public, community, and sector participation throughout strategy development and implementation. In response to Member discussions, the Officer explained that extensive training on green infrastructure had been conducted, with additional resources such as an online city centre nature trail and information sheets available on the council’s website. These resources allow the public to learn more about green infrastructure types and the overall strategy. Addressing concerns about drainage, the Officer clarified that green infrastructure and sustainable urban drainage were not replacements for traditional drains but rather work alongside them to manage water more effectively and support the efficiency of existing drainage systems. The Officer report that the funding for Swansea’s green infrastructure programme was derived from a variety of sources, including private investment, grants from the Welsh Government and support from Natural Resources Wales (NRW). Specific initiatives, such as the Sandfields scheme, benefited from a blend of active travel and Local Places for Nature funding, both provided by the Welsh Government along with NRW funding via the Welsh Government Water Capital Programme. Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns scheme also incorporates green infrastructure, supporting city centre improvements and involving both public and private sectors. In addition, sustainable urban drainage standards are now integrated into new developments through planning processes, ensuring these features are included from the outset. The Biophilic Building represents a mix of public and private funding, this pioneering retrofit project has attracted significant attention. Legislation and national policies, such as the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act and the Environment Act, further encourage and drive these initiatives. The Biophilic Building project was particularly innovative, potentially being the first retrofit of its kind in Wales and possibly at an international level, as most similar developments elsewhere are new builds. This had generated considerable interest from developers and professionals beyond the local area. The improvements at St. Helen’s School in the Sandfields area had a transformative impact, enhancing water management, liveability, and local aesthetics, and reducing traffic problems. The involvement of staff, students, and the community in the design and planting has been especially beneficial and well-received. Finally, the Sandfields project won the 2025 Ystadau Cymru award. The award recognises excellence in creating social value in public assets through innovation, decarbonisation, improving neighbourhoods, and boosting biodiversity. This success was made possible by collaborative efforts across various council departments, NRW, Urban Foundry, The Wates Foundation and local contractors, with strong community engagement and participation from the school children in planting activities. The Chair and Councillor Champion for Green Transport thanked the Officer and team for their knowledge, skills and innovative work.
The Chair presented the Committee Work Plan 2025/26. The Chair referred to Climate Change & Nature Recovery eLearning (as referred to in a recent email from Councillor R Fogarty) which Councillors may find beneficial. Resolved that the Committee Work Plan 2025/26, be approved.
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