BURGESS HILL TOWN COUNCIL

The Town Council will seek to implement good internal practice with the adoption of the following environmental measures:

1.

Reduce the amount of energy it consumes, achieving a high standard of energy efficiency.

2.

Purchase goods and services from environmentally accredited sources in the event that they provide a cost-effective alternative.

3.

The Council and its Contractors will re-use, recycle and minimise waste wherever possible.

4.

The use of environmentally harmful pesticides and chemicals will be avoided and the use of composting/wormeries promoted.

5.

Consult the general public on the Council’s own environmental policies and practices through the Environmental Issues Forum and involve them in the environmental decision making process.

6.

The performance of the Council with regard to its environmental policies and practices will be subject to an biannual audit by members of the Environmental Issues Forum.

THE TOWN OF BURGESS HILL

The Town Council will seek to protect and enhance the environment of Burgess Hill with the following measures, assessing all policies, activities and practices for their environmental impact:

1.

Encourage the general public and businesses in the town to adopt Town Council environmental practices, including energy reduction, the purchasing of goods and services from environmentally accredited sources and the re-use, recycling and minimising of waste wherever possible.

2.

Encourage the community to keep the town litter, dog excrement and graffiti free.  The Town Council will work with its County and District Council partners to maintain and provide litter and dog waste bins.

3.

Promote cycling, walking and the use of public transport.  The Council will continue to work with its County and District Council partners to provide improved and properly integrated public transport services, cycle lanes and pedestrian and disabled facilities, through both operational and planning processes.

4.

The Town Council will promote good design for new development and express the requirement for modifications and extensions to be designed and built sympathetically.  Drainage and sewage implications will also be raised in specific locations. The Town Council will work with its County and District Council partners to secure a commitment to the environment in its planning policies.

5.

Support the protection and enhancement of greenfield sites, strategic gaps and open spaces from the threat of development.

6.

Support the conservation and protection of trees, hedgerows, ponds and streams, involving local residents and national organisations as necessary.  Planning Authorities will be encouraged to consider the implications to wildlife and ancient hedgerows when determining planning applications.

7.

Work with its partners to discourage and prevent instances of noise and light pollution.

8.

Have regard for the visual impact of development on the town, including the implementation of telecommunication masts.