Proposed by Councillor Gant

Liberal Democrat member motion

Council believes that among the many other aspects of the Climate Emergency, the one which falls most easily within its own remit is nature-based solutions. Council notes recent academic work which shows that carefully located planting can have a significant impact on heat-stress, carbon sequestration, waterflow regulation and air quality (especially at the most polluted points in cities). Equally, Council notes studies which indicate the enormous benefits to mental health and wellbeing of exposure to green infrastructure and natural colours.

Council acknowledges the considerable degradation of the city centre, largely as a result of the opening of the Westgate Centre

Council therefore asks officers to:

1)    develop a comprehensive scheme for suitable, sustainable urban planting, considering all relevant factors;

2)    work up a proposal for green walls, such as those widely seen in other major European city centres, including on its own buildings where appropriate;

3)    make a plan for the “greening” of the city centre, principally (but not limited to) in Queen Street, Cornmarket and George Street, in partnership with all other stakeholders, including window-boxes and rooftop planting;

4)    factor these proposals into all other relevant work including preparations for the budget.

This motion was not taken as the time allowed for debate had finished.