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  2. Hart adopts new Climate Change Action Plan

    Hart District Council has taken a major step forward for the climate emergency with councillors unanimously approving a new Climate Change Action plan. The plan details what the Council is going to do over the next four years to achieve its goal of being a carbon neutral authority by 2035 and a carbon neutral district by 2040.   

    The approval of the plan means that the Council will be able to progress its carbon reduction programme and focus on the areas that will have the biggest impact. Priority work over the next 18 months, including reducing Hart's energy consumption, investing in renewable energy and protecting and enhancing biodiversity, is set out in the supporting action plan.

    To help achieve the district-wide target, the Council will be using its leadership role to help organisations and individuals make the changes needed. 

    Councillor Richard Quarterman, Portfolio Holder for Climate Change and Corporate Services, said “I am grateful to the team as this represents a big step towards our climate change goals. The new plan has clear, measurable, achievable actions so we can track our progress and be held accountable.

    “We are looking for grant opportunities to help fund some of the work, so much of the early work is investigation and analysis to ensure we are 'match-fit' when these opportunities arise.”

    View the new action plan

    Progress of the report will be reported to full council every six months.   

     

  6. Hart funds climate projects

    Hart District Council has approved the allocation of £137,000 of this year’s climate change budget to various projects in line with the recently approved climate change action plan.

    The approval will enable the Council to create a costed carbon reduction plan for several buildings, to help decarbonise its operations by 2035 and the district by 2040.

    The budget will be mainly spent on technical research, studies and plans to better understand where the Council is now and the potential for decarbonisation of its buildings in Hart.

    The approval will also enable continued support from the climate change team at Local Partnerships, a not-for-profit consultancy working with the public sector to achieve their carbon reduction plans.

    Among other projected costs, the approved allocations include:

    • £50,000 for renewable energy feasibility studies for several council-owned buildings
    • £40,000 decarbonisation plans for Hart and Frogmore Leisure Centres

    • £20,000 for LED lighting at the Council’s offices

    Once completed, Hart will be able to put together a comprehensive implementation plan and prioritise recommended upgrades to deliver carbon and cost savings for the district.

    Councillor David Neighbour, Leader of Hart District Council, said: “I am pleased to report significant progress on our climate change plans in recent months and this budget approval will support some of the priority areas with the biggest impact. Decarbonisation is a complex area, and our plans will evolve as we continue our work.”

    In other recent climate change updates from the Council:

    • Last month, Hart District Cabinet approved a new climate change action plan for the next four years that focuses on the areas with the biggest impact.
    • It was agreed that the Council will continue with its plan to undertake a feasibility study by the end of 2023/24 for reducing carbon usage at both of Hart’s leisure centres, which should specifically include the option of a solar voltaic electricity installation and regenerative waste heat recovery plant packaged as a data centre linked to the swimming pool.
    • Reporting on progress of the action plan will occur twice a year (and will be available publicly).
    • A new external stakeholder working group will be established to broaden our reach and collaboration on climate change.

    Want to decarbonise your home?

    As part of the decarbonisation of Hart district, homes and businesses are also encouraged to decarbonise. There are resources and, in some cases grants, to support you:

  8. Use military land responsibly, public urged

     Members of the public are being asked to use local Ministry of Defence (MOD) land responsibly over the summer. 

    This follows a series of incidents of antisocial behaviour and parties, fires and unauthorised vehicles on MOD land across Rushmoor and Hart. 

    Representatives from Rushmoor Borough Council, Hart District Council, Hampshire Constabulary, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service and the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (MOD) met to discuss the issue and are now keen to remind residents about what activities are not allowed on MOD land locally including Hawley Woods in Hart and Caesars Camp/Long Valley near Aldershot. 

    Over recent months, there have been a number of significant gatherings in Hawley Woods with large amounts of litter left, including glass bottles. 

    There has also been an increase in people swimming in the lake, putting themselves in danger because of the hidden obstructions under the water. This is despite the ‘No swimming’ warning signs around the lake. 

    In addition, there have been several deliberate fires in the area, resulting in significant damage to MOD land nearby and significant cost to both Hampshire and Surrey Fire and Rescue Services – estimated to be in the tens of thousands of pounds.  

    Dog waste continues to cause significant issues to ongoing military training, with units having to spend time clearing up before any training can take place. 

    Residents in both Hart and Rushmoor have been affected by negative behaviour on the MOD land, in particular by the rowdy and inconsiderate behaviour of people parking in the area and then going onto the land. There have been incidents of late-night noise nuisance, criminal damage to properties and verbal abuse of residents.  

    There are bylaws in force governing the MOD land, which include restrictions on camping, fires (including barbecues), littering, causing nuisance, damage to trees, digging and illegal vehicles getting onto the estate including motorbikes. Breaches of these bylaws could lead to prosecution. 

    Members of the public are also being asked to familiarise themselves with the warning flag system used on the live firing areas on MOD land including Caesars Camp/Long Valley. If red flags are displayed, no access is allowed and anyone going onto the land could be seriously hurt.  

    Dean Howard, the Deputy Security and Public Access officer for the Defence Infrastructure Organisation, said:

    “The MoD supports access to the military training areas and respects the public’s enthusiasm for wanting to explore it. In return, they ask everyone to respect the very real dangers associated with doing so. Whether they are dog walkers, mountain bikers or ramblers, everyone should stick to main tracks and paths. 

    “If a red flag is flying then access to that area is prohibited, as live firing will be taking place.  Also, some of the training areas are out of bounds, when in use for military training, as indicated by locked gates and signs or notices – we encourage the public to check the GOV.UK web site for closures of these areas before heading out. 

    “By abiding by these simple rules, everyone has a part to play in helping to make sure that we can all enjoy the land safely, and the military can train uninterrupted.” 

    More information about the dangers of disobeying MOD bylaws and scheduled military training can be found on the GOV.UK website by searching “DIO”. You can search “Respect the Range” on YouTube to view a video about the topic. 

    Residents can report incidents of antisocial behaviour on public land to Hampshire Constabulary on 101, or by contacting their local council Community Safety Team. 

    They can also report non-emergency issues on MOD land to the Ops Room at Longmoor on 01420 483405. All emergency issues should be reported to 999. 

  9. Hart prosecutes developer for breaching working hours

    A major housebuilder constructing new homes in Hart has been fined after working over the Easter weekend, breaching the conditions of their planning permission relating to working hours. 

    Hart District Council successfully prosecuted Crest Nicholson Operations Ltd at Basingstoke Magistrates Court on Tuesday 13 June for a failure to comply with a Breach of Condition Notice. The notice was served in October 2021 relating to working hours on the Hawley Park Farm development. 

    Crest Nicholson Operations Ltd entered a guilty plea at the hearing. They also offered an 'unequivocal apology' to the court and residents for disturbing the peace and enjoyment of nearby properties on a bank holiday, due to sub-contractors carrying out works on Friday 7 April this year (Good Friday). 

    The district judge imposed a fine of over £1,300 and ordered the developer to pay the Council's full legal costs within 21 days. This includes officer time on investigating the Good Friday breach and compiling the evidence for prosecution, amounting to over £5,300. 

    Councillor Alan Oliver, portfolio holder for Community Safety and Development Management, said: “Whilst the developer wasn't given the maximum fine for a Breach of Condition Notice (which is £2,500), this decision sends a clear message to Crest Nicholson and is a deterrent to other developers who breach planning control in Hart.” 

    Hart District Council responded swiftly to reports of work on a bank holiday and created a comprehensive evidence bundle to secure this prosecution. These actions demonstrate the Council's powers in responding to harmful breaches of planning control when there is sufficient evidence for prosecution.

    Suspected planning breaches can be reported online at Hart District Council’s website.