Maldon District Council is to decide whether to declare a climate emergency, listing a range of local issues including the risk of flooding and air quality.

The issues brought about by new development, including rising levels of pollution, carbon emissions and the need for sustainable transport are also featured in the statement, which sets out the council's aspirations for change.

When the full council meets on Thursday, 4 February, members will discuss adopting a Climate Emergency Statement put forward by officers to "acknowledge the growing consensus that unless we significantly reduce UK and global greenhouse gas emissions, the consequences of climate change will be severe".

The proposed statement refers to the 70 miles of coastline bounding Maldon district and outlines areas where "sea defences are at risk of being below the acceptable level of protection, potentially causing flooding to valuable agricultural land. Areas mentioned with regard to this issue include land around Mayland, Goldhanger and Tollesbury.

The statement continues: "Areas of air quality concern have also been identified within our District due to the use of older, more polluting heavy goods vehicles."

Aspirations for tackling the climate change issue in Maldon district

Four points are listed as 'aspirations' for the council in addressing the issues identified. These include:

-developing a Climate Strategy with the aim of being carbon neutral by 2030. This will include making sure that decisions, budgets and approaches to planning are in line with that aim

-supporting and working with all other relevant agencies/bodies towards making the district council and all its parishes net-zero carbon within the same timescale

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-working with, influencing and inspiring partnerships across the district to help deliver the goals through strategies, plans and shared resources

-including young people in the process, ensuring that they have a voice in shaping the future.

The statement concludes: "We make this declaration to show our commitment to making a positive change which we hope will benefit our residents and future generations."