If elected the following policy will inform and guide decisions and campaigns by Chelmsford Labour Party representatives.

Sustainability

1. The Chelmsford Labour party will put sustainability at the heart of all of our policies, we will look to introduce sustainable housing development that minimises the effect on our environment.

• • Sustainability will be defined as per the National Planning Policy framework ‘to contribute to protecting and enhancing our natural, built and historic environment; including making effective use of land, helping to improve biodiversity, using natural resources prudently, minimising waste and pollution, and mitigating and adapting to climate change, including moving to a low carbon economy.’
  • Any subcontracting undertaken by the council must be done to contractors committed to sustainability.

Air Quality

2. Air quality is incredibly important for public health, and it needs to be a priority in helping people to live healthier lives.

• • Chelmsford City Council has undertaken sub satisfactory management of areas around Chelmsford that have breached their own quality indicators, and the time taken to implement changes when air quality has got too high has been far too slow. We will look to improve on this poor legacy.
  • As a priority we will act to influence the factors that decrease air quality, principally delays in traffic, unnecessary congestion alongside high amounts of car usage. Improving traffic flow whilst maintaining safety standards will dramatically improve air quality. 
  • We will ensure that all diesel buses used throughout Chelmsford are fitted up to the Euro 6 standard.

Housing

3. Housing is an essential part of a strong environmental policy platform.

• • We will immediately introduce a 0 carbon standard for all new homes built in Chelmsford before planning permission is granted.
  • We will ensure all social and council housing is brought up to a minimum of EPC C standard.
  • We will produce a plan for energy positive housing throughout Chelmsford, and dependent on feasibility building will be expected to be carbon positive (in that it will produce it’s own energy and start to reduce it’s own carbon footprint)
  • A transition plan will be developed for existing private landlords to bring their own properties in line with our new energy standards.

Transport

4. Chelmsford has been starved for too long of decent viable transport options to get in and around our city.

• • We will engage in consultation with our communities to understand how best to improve access to our city.
  • We will monitor and improve bus access, making it easier to get in and around Chelmsford 
  • Any future renovations or developments must include provision for electric vehicles and electric vehicle charging.

Dog Mess and Littering

5. Is a blight on the pavements and public spaces, and needs to be brought under control.

• • Increase in dog mess collection bins.
  • Look to increase the fines for repeat offenders who fail to look after our public space.
  • Promote and engage community litter picks where possible.