Clenchwarton & King’s Lynn South

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Liam Hind – Conservative 

A bit of information on myself before reading through my answers may be relevant. I am a filmmaker who has been working in collaboration with large worldwide news organisations and the UN, mainly promoting how companies and organisations around the world have been embracing the 17 Sustainable Development Goals and incorporating them into the daily operation of their business. This has given me a good perspective on certain aspects of sustainability and a realisation that there is a lot more nuance than appears on the surface of a lot of these issues.

1) Yes, although with some developments it may be unavoidable and in that case the council should ensure setting up areas for natural conservation equal to or larger than the area removed.

2) It sounds like a good idea but it really depends on how this aim is to be achieved as trying to do it that quickly could very easily have a negative effect on the economy of the county, I would prefer to have an achievable goal that is being worked towards as hard as possible. Although if the measures taken are largely skewed towards carbon offsetting then I would support it.

3) I have not been able to do enough research to make an informed opinion.

4) Yes

5) No, I think this would be a misguided approach as most fossil fuel companies are investing vast sums of money towards renewable energy and are in many instances leaders in this transition to renewables.

Adam Giles – Labour

1. Easy answer for this one – Yes.

2. There is no definitive date set in the manifesto, so this one is a bit more complicated for me to give you a straight answer but generally speaking from the debates that we had on the topic, there is a desire to achieve net-zero as quickly as possible.

3. Yes, and we have been very clear on our opposition to the Norwich Western Link.

4. Yes, and there are some specific proposals in relation to this included within the County Labour Group manifesto, particularly around County Farms.

5. Yes, and this is something that the Labour rep on the Pensions Committee has already been pushing for.

Dersingham

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Erika Coward – Liberal Democrat

1) Yes, we are committed ‘to putting environment and climate change at the centre of everything the council does’ and that would include protecting areas of biodiversity and enhancing habitats for wildlife.

2) Yes, our commitment is ‘if elected, we will take the lead on making Norfolk – not just Norfolk County Council – carbon neutral by 2030’

3) No, our views on the “Western Link” have concentrated on completing the road to solve the problem of rat-running and congestion encouraged by the gap between the current end of the A1270 and the A47, while at the same time respecting the needs of the natural environment in the Wensum valley.The delays in building the western end of the “Broadland Northway” have caused substantial, and unacceptable, problems for the residents of Costessey, Taverham, other villages and North-Western Norwich. Something must be done to address the transport, environmental, safety, economic, wellbeing and health challenges these communities are suffering. The least-worst solution is the new Western Link, including its preferred route which we support. The impact of the Western Link on the sensitive Wensum valley, with its unique and critical ecosystems, and its residents, human and others, cannot be ignored. We will seek to minimise this in the road’s design, construction, and operation. This must include reducing the impact on wildlife through the provision of animal bridges etc. Completion of the Link will also improve access to North Norfolk from the A47 and A11, allowing an area that suffers from significant issues of rural poverty and seasonal unemployment to benefit economically, and support its role as a centre for offshore wind-power generation, an essential part of our response to the current climate emergency.

4) Yes, we are committed to Green Growth & Green Jobs with an emphasis on training and diversifying an existing business to make it greener and more attractive to modern ecologically-conscious customers, or developing brand new products and solutions to solve environmental problems, we believe the conditions are right.

5) Yes, our manifesto states ‘We will lead by example by changing energy suppliers for all council property to use green energy; and divest the council’s pension portfolio from fossil fuels.’

George Lankester – Labour

1. Easy answer for this one – Yes.

2. There is no definitive date set in the manifesto, so this one is a bit more complicated for me to give you a straight answer but generally speaking from the debates that we had on the topic, there is a desire to achieve net-zero as quickly as possible.

3. Yes, and we have been very clear on our opposition to the Norwich Western Link.

4. Yes, and there are some specific proposals in relation to this included within the County Labour Group manifesto, particularly around County Farms.

5. Yes, and this is something that the Labour rep on the Pensions Committee has already been pushing for.

Docking

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Michelle Carter – Labour

1. Easy answer for this one – Yes.

2. There is no definitive date set in the manifesto, so this one is a bit more complicated for me to give you a straight answer but generally speaking from the debates that we had on the topic, there is a desire to achieve net-zero as quickly as possible.

3. Yes, and we have been very clear on our opposition to the Norwich Western Link.

4. Yes, and there are some specific proposals in relation to this included within the County Labour Group manifesto, particularly around County Farms.

5. Yes, and this is something that the Labour rep on the Pensions Committee has already been pushing for.

Downham Market

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Josie Ratcliffe – Liberal Democrat

Full response coming soon.

Eamonn McCusker – Labour

1. Easy answer for this one – Yes.

2. There is no definitive date set in the manifesto, so this one is a bit more complicated for me to give you a straight answer but generally speaking from the debates that we had on the topic, there is a desire to achieve net-zero as quickly as possible.

3. Yes, and we have been very clear on our opposition to the Norwich Western Link.

4. Yes, and there are some specific proposals in relation to this included within the County Labour Group manifesto, particularly around County Farms.

5. Yes, and this is something that the Labour rep on the Pensions Committee has already been pushing for.

Feltwell

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Chris Harvey – Labour

1. Easy answer for this one – Yes.

2. There is no definitive date set in the manifesto, so this one is a bit more complicated for me to give you a straight answer but generally speaking from the debates that we had on the topic, there is a desire to achieve net-zero as quickly as possible.

3. Yes, and we have been very clear on our opposition to the Norwich Western Link.

4. Yes, and there are some specific proposals in relation to this included within the County Labour Group manifesto, particularly around County Farms.

5. Yes, and this is something that the Labour rep on the Pensions Committee has already been pushing for.

Fincham

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Jo Smith – Labour

1. Easy answer for this one – Yes.

2. There is no definitive date set in the manifesto, so this one is a bit more complicated for me to give you a straight answer but generally speaking from the debates that we had on the topic, there is a desire to achieve net-zero as quickly as possible.

3. Yes, and we have been very clear on our opposition to the Norwich Western Link.

4. Yes, and there are some specific proposals in relation to this included within the County Labour Group manifesto, particularly around County Farms.

5. Yes, and this is something that the Labour rep on the Pensions Committee has already been pushing for.

Freebridge Lynn

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Francis Bone – Labour

1. Easy answer for this one – Yes.

2. There is no definitive date set in the manifesto, so this one is a bit more complicated for me to give you a straight answer but generally speaking from the debates that we had on the topic, there is a desire to achieve net-zero as quickly as possible.

3. Yes, and we have been very clear on our opposition to the Norwich Western Link.

4. Yes, and there are some specific proposals in relation to this included within the County Labour Group manifesto, particularly around County Farms.

5. Yes, and this is something that the Labour rep on the Pensions Committee has already been pushing for.

Gayton & Nar Valley

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David Collis – Labour

1. Easy answer for this one – Yes.

2. There is no definitive date set in the manifesto, so this one is a bit more complicated for me to give you a straight answer but generally speaking from the debates that we had on the topic, there is a desire to achieve net-zero as quickly as possible.

3. Yes, and we have been very clear on our opposition to the Norwich Western Link.

4. Yes, and there are some specific proposals in relation to this included within the County Labour Group manifesto, particularly around County Farms.

5. Yes, and this is something that the Labour rep on the Pensions Committee has already been pushing for.

Gaywood North & Central

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Helen Dalgliesh – Labour

1. Easy answer for this one – Yes.

2. There is no definitive date set in the manifesto, so this one is a bit more complicated for me to give you a straight answer but generally speaking from the debates that we had on the topic, there is a desire to achieve net-zero as quickly as possible.

3. Yes, and we have been very clear on our opposition to the Norwich Western Link.

4. Yes, and there are some specific proposals in relation to this included within the County Labour Group manifesto, particularly around County Farms.

5. Yes, and this is something that the Labour rep on the Pensions Committee has already been pushing for.

David Mills – Liberal Democrat

1) Yes, we are committed ‘to putting environment and climate change at the centre of everything the council does’ and that would include protecting areas of biodiversity and enhancing habitats for wildlife.

2) Yes, our commitment is ‘if elected, we will take the lead on making Norfolk – not just Norfolk County Council – carbon neutral by 2030’

3) No, our views on the “Western Link” have concentrated on completing the road to solve the problem of rat-running and congestion encouraged by the gap between the current end of the A1270 and the A47, while at the same time respecting the needs of the natural environment in the Wensum valley.The delays in building the western end of the “Broadland Northway” have caused substantial, and unacceptable, problems for the residents of Costessey, Taverham, other villages and North-Western Norwich. Something must be done to address the transport, environmental, safety, economic, wellbeing and health challenges these communities are suffering. The least-worst solution is the new Western Link, including its preferred route which we support. The impact of the Western Link on the sensitive Wensum valley, with its unique and critical ecosystems, and its residents, human and others, cannot be ignored. We will seek to minimise this in the road’s design, construction, and operation. This must include reducing the impact on wildlife through the provision of animal bridges etc. Completion of the Link will also improve access to North Norfolk from the A47 and A11, allowing an area that suffers from significant issues of rural poverty and seasonal unemployment to benefit economically, and support its role as a centre for offshore wind-power generation, an essential part of our response to the current climate emergency.

4) Yes, we are committed to Green Growth & Green Jobs with an emphasis on training and diversifying an existing business to make it greener and more attractive to modern ecologically-conscious customers, or developing brand new products and solutions to solve environmental problems, we believe the conditions are right.

5) Yes, our manifesto states ‘We will lead by example by changing energy suppliers for all council property to use green energy; and divest the council’s pension portfolio from fossil fuels.’

Gaywood South

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Micaela Bartrum – Labour 

1. Easy answer for this one – Yes.

2. There is no definitive date set in the manifesto, so this one is a bit more complicated for me to give you a straight answer but generally speaking from the debates that we had on the topic, there is a desire to achieve net-zero as quickly as possible.

3. Yes, and we have been very clear on our opposition to the Norwich Western Link.

4. Yes, and there are some specific proposals in relation to this included within the County Labour Group manifesto, particularly around County Farms.

5. Yes, and this is something that the Labour rep on the Pensions Committee has already been pushing for.

Rob Colwell – Liberal Democrat

1) Yes, we are committed ‘to putting environment and climate change at the centre of everything the council does’ and that would include protecting areas of biodiversity and enhancing habitats for wildlife.

2) Yes, our commitment is ‘if elected, we will take the lead on making Norfolk – not just Norfolk County Council – carbon neutral by 2030’

3) No, our views on the “Western Link” have concentrated on completing the road to solve the problem of rat-running and congestion encouraged by the gap between the current end of the A1270 and the A47, while at the same time respecting the needs of the natural environment in the Wensum valley.The delays in building the western end of the “Broadland Northway” have caused substantial, and unacceptable, problems for the residents of Costessey, Taverham, other villages and North-Western Norwich. Something must be done to address the transport, environmental, safety, economic, wellbeing and health challenges these communities are suffering. The least-worst solution is the new Western Link, including its preferred route which we support. The impact of the Western Link on the sensitive Wensum valley, with its unique and critical ecosystems, and its residents, human and others, cannot be ignored. We will seek to minimise this in the road’s design, construction, and operation. This must include reducing the impact on wildlife through the provision of animal bridges etc. Completion of the Link will also improve access to North Norfolk from the A47 and A11, allowing an area that suffers from significant issues of rural poverty and seasonal unemployment to benefit economically, and support its role as a centre for offshore wind-power generation, an essential part of our response to the current climate emergency.

4) Yes, we are committed to Green Growth & Green Jobs with an emphasis on training and diversifying an existing business to make it greener and more attractive to modern ecologically-conscious customers, or developing brand new products and solutions to solve environmental problems, we believe the conditions are right.

5) Yes, our manifesto states ‘We will lead by example by changing energy suppliers for all council property to use green energy; and divest the council’s pension portfolio from fossil fuels.’

King’s Lynn North & Central

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Wilfred Lambert – Labour

1. Easy answer for this one – Yes.

2. There is no definitive date set in the manifesto, so this one is a bit more complicated for me to give you a straight answer but generally speaking from the debates that we had on the topic, there is a desire to achieve net-zero as quickly as possible.

3. Yes, and we have been very clear on our opposition to the Norwich Western Link.

4. Yes, and there are some specific proposals in relation to this included within the County Labour Group manifesto, particularly around County Farms.

5. Yes, and this is something that the Labour rep on the Pensions Committee has already been pushing for.

Richard Coward – Liberal Democrat

1) Yes, we are committed ‘to putting environment and climate change at the centre of everything the council does’ and that would include protecting areas of biodiversity and enhancing habitats for wildlife.

2) Yes, our commitment is ‘if elected, we will take the lead on making Norfolk – not just Norfolk County Council – carbon neutral by 2030’

3) No, our views on the “Western Link” have concentrated on completing the road to solve the problem of rat-running and congestion encouraged by the gap between the current end of the A1270 and the A47, while at the same time respecting the needs of the natural environment in the Wensum valley.The delays in building the western end of the “Broadland Northway” have caused substantial, and unacceptable, problems for the residents of Costessey, Taverham, other villages and North-Western Norwich. Something must be done to address the transport, environmental, safety, economic, wellbeing and health challenges these communities are suffering. The least-worst solution is the new Western Link, including its preferred route which we support. The impact of the Western Link on the sensitive Wensum valley, with its unique and critical ecosystems, and its residents, human and others, cannot be ignored. We will seek to minimise this in the road’s design, construction, and operation. This must include reducing the impact on wildlife through the provision of animal bridges etc. Completion of the Link will also improve access to North Norfolk from the A47 and A11, allowing an area that suffers from significant issues of rural poverty and seasonal unemployment to benefit economically, and support its role as a centre for offshore wind-power generation, an essential part of our response to the current climate emergency.

4) Yes, we are committed to Green Growth & Green Jobs with an emphasis on training and diversifying an existing business to make it greener and more attractive to modern ecologically-conscious customers, or developing brand new products and solutions to solve environmental problems, we believe the conditions are right.

5) Yes, our manifesto states ‘We will lead by example by changing energy suppliers for all council property to use green energy; and divest the council’s pension portfolio from fossil fuels.’

Rob Archer – Green Party

1) There are currently projects in and around my district that will have an impact on biodiversity – the main one being the proposed housing and road scheme between Gaywood and the Hardwick Industrial area. Although this scheme now has outline planning permission I will work to ensure that the ‘site B’ housing plans on the biodiversity-rich fenland area is scrapped and that the proposed bridge will only be used for cycle and pedestrian traffic.

2) Nearly all of the district is at, or below sea level. Whilst it may be too late to prevent severe sea level rise it is imperative that the area plays its part in reducing emissions. Transport is one of the worst culprits and I will work to ensure that walking and cycling are prioritised over motor vehicle use and provided for accordingly. I will also be looking into the feasibility of replacing local buses with electric/hydrogen/hybrid alternatives.

3) I totally oppose this project. It is unnecessary, environmentally destructive and anachronistic in a time where we need to be rapidly reducing petrol and diesel use. I also oppose plans to dual the A47, supporting the reinstatement of the missing 23 miles of the Lynn – Norwich railway line.

4) I support a move away from an economy based on illusory growth to one based in improving individual and community wellbeing. Part of that means shifting work away from concentrating profit in the hands of the few and redistributing wealth more fairly. I also support the expansion of the renewable energy sector in Norfolk but would like to see a transfer of manufacturing the hardware from the Far East to Norfolk.

5) I believe the council should be setting an example for other employment sectors to follow and divesting from all fossil fuel, arms manufacturing and aggressive finance firms as soon as possible.

Marshland North

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Matthew Hannay – Labour

1. Easy answer for this one – Yes.

2. There is no definitive date set in the manifesto, so this one is a bit more complicated for me to give you a straight answer but generally speaking from the debates that we had on the topic, there is a desire to achieve net-zero as quickly as possible.

3. Yes, and we have been very clear on our opposition to the Norwich Western Link.

4. Yes, and there are some specific proposals in relation to this included within the County Labour Group manifesto, particularly around County Farms.

5. Yes, and this is something that the Labour rep on the Pensions Committee has already been pushing for.

Sandra Squire – Independent Group 

1) Absolutely

2) Slightly sceptical that can actually be achieved given I have concerns that talking about and calculating net zero seems to include some things and not others. I can’t justify diverting council funds to just one aim as there are so many things “wrong” in the County. But equally I wouldn’t want to say no outright, as if you don’t aim high, you never get there. If it can be achieved, then yes.

3) Absolutely. I would have more than great pleasure cancelling that awful idea for a road.

4) Yes

5) Yes

Marshland South

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David Hodgkinson – Labour

1. Easy answer for this one – Yes.

2. There is no definitive date set in the manifesto, so this one is a bit more complicated for me to give you a straight answer but generally speaking from the debates that we had on the topic, there is a desire to achieve net-zero as quickly as possible.

3. Yes, and we have been very clear on our opposition to the Norwich Western Link.

4. Yes, and there are some specific proposals in relation to this included within the County Labour Group manifesto, particularly around County Farms.

5. Yes, and this is something that the Labour rep on the Pensions Committee has already been pushing for.

Colin Rose – Independent 

I am happy to sign up to the first two points without hesitation. But have not had any involvement with the Wensun project which it out of my ward or Division. Where the high paid jobs are concerned who is going to provide/ pay for such? Where the pension fund is concerned mistakes in the past have lost public money for which there must be a good return. If you can point the NCC in the direction of investments that are equal or better then I would not hesitate to support this.

North Coast

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John Crofts – Liberal Democrat

1) Yes, we are committed ‘to putting environment and climate change at the centre of everything the council does’ and that would include protecting areas of biodiversity and enhancing habitats for wildlife.

2) Yes, our commitment is ‘if elected, we will take the lead on making Norfolk – not just Norfolk County Council – carbon neutral by 2030’

3) No, our views on the “Western Link” have concentrated on completing the road to solve the problem of rat-running and congestion encouraged by the gap between the current end of the A1270 and the A47, while at the same time respecting the needs of the natural environment in the Wensum valley.The delays in building the western end of the “Broadland Northway” have caused substantial, and unacceptable, problems for the residents of Costessey, Taverham, other villages and North-Western Norwich. Something must be done to address the transport, environmental, safety, economic, wellbeing and health challenges these communities are suffering. The least-worst solution is the new Western Link, including its preferred route which we support. The impact of the Western Link on the sensitive Wensum valley, with its unique and critical ecosystems, and its residents, human and others, cannot be ignored. We will seek to minimise this in the road’s design, construction, and operation. This must include reducing the impact on wildlife through the provision of animal bridges etc. Completion of the Link will also improve access to North Norfolk from the A47 and A11, allowing an area that suffers from significant issues of rural poverty and seasonal unemployment to benefit economically, and support its role as a centre for offshore wind-power generation, an essential part of our response to the current climate emergency.

4) Yes, we are committed to Green Growth & Green Jobs with an emphasis on training and diversifying an existing business to make it greener and more attractive to modern ecologically-conscious customers, or developing brand new products and solutions to solve environmental problems, we believe the conditions are right.

5) Yes, our manifesto states ‘We will lead by example by changing energy suppliers for all council property to use green energy; and divest the council’s pension portfolio from fossil fuels.’

John Simmons – Labour 

1. Easy answer for this one – Yes.

2. There is no definitive date set in the manifesto, so this one is a bit more complicated for me to give you a straight answer but generally speaking from the debates that we had on the topic, there is a desire to achieve net-zero as quickly as possible.

3. Yes, and we have been very clear on our opposition to the Norwich Western Link.

4. Yes, and there are some specific proposals in relation to this included within the County Labour Group manifesto, particularly around County Farms.

5. Yes, and this is something that the Labour rep on the Pensions Committee has already been pushing for.