Date:
Residents and stakeholders are being asked to read and comment on two important climate change documents that will help Woking on its journey to net zero.
Woking Borough Council has published two draft strategies, which together, propose a vision of a sustainable borough with net zero carbon emissions, that supports growth and clean development, whilst boosting resilience to the changing climate.
The council is seeking views on its draft Climate Change Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) and ‘Woking Net Zero’ Climate Change Strategy, which were first adopted in 2013 and 2015 respectively. These updated drafts reflect changes in government legislation, targets and best practice. They also reaffirm Woking’s commitment to tackling climate change, which is a key priority for the council.
Residents and stakeholders have six weeks (from 18 May to 30 June 2023), to read the documents and feed back their views. They can also have their say in person at a number of upcoming roadshow events throughout May and June.
Cllr Peter Graves, Woking Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Greener Woking, said: “Most of us have heard the phrase "think global, act local", well for people living, working and doing business in the borough, this is your chance.
“We all have a carbon footprint and no one is immune to the effects of climate change so it’s vitally important we all make the journey to net zero together.
“The two documents we’re seeking views on build on our legacy of local climate action, which began in 2002, more than twenty years ago. Much has been achieved since then and I’m enormously grateful for the continued support of partners such as Woking Environment Action (WEAct), Action Surrey, Surrey Wildlife Trust and Horsell Common Preservation Society.
“But to enable us to do more, and reach our net-zero targets, we need to rally the support of the community. That starts with a shared vision and an agreed set of actions that everyone can get on board with, so please read our draft strategies, have your say and let us know if there’s anything else we should or could be doing collectively.”
Residents and stakeholders can read the draft strategies and have their say online via the council's online community forum.
To share their views in person, residents and stakeholders can attend any of the following drop-in sessions:
- Moorcroft Centre for the Community (GU22 9LY), 25 May, 9am to 12 noon.
- The Vyne Centre for the Community (GU21 2SP), 5 June, 9.30am to 11.30am.
- Wolsey Place (outside Sainsbury's), 7 June, 11am to 2pm.
- Parkview Centre for the Community (GU21 5NZ), 12 June, 12 noon to 2.30pm.
- St Mary's Centre for the Community (KT14 7LZ), 15 June, 9.30am to 11.30am.
Hard copies of the strategies are available in the each of the borough’s four libraries and written feedback can be emailed or posted to the addresses provided in the strategy documents.
On Tuesday 13 June, at 7pm, the council is hosting a virtual panel discussion with presentations from a number of guest speakers and an audience Q&A. Register online (Eventbrite).