West Northamptonshire Area Climate Summit 2024

On Wednesday 9 October 2024 representatives from West Northamptonshire town and village councils met at Delapré Abbey for the area’s first ever Climate Summit.

Over 50 delegates took this first step in a five-year programme intended to develop and support local projects aimed at dealing with, and lessening the effects of, a changed climate.

In his opening address the King’s representative, Mr John Brownhill BEM, the Lead for the Northamptonshire Lieutenancy Climate & Sustainability Group, recounted how His Majesty has dedicated much of his life’s work to champion the fight against climate change and biodiversity loss. An example to us all.

In three subsequent sessions the Summit’s core themes of Communication, Food and Biodiversity were explored in presentations and discussions.

In one discussion a delegate asked why West Northamptonshire Council Planning Committees continue to grant permission for developments that contain zero renewable energy components, why for example housing and commercial projects are allowed to be built without solar panels. Though off-topic the question received the general support of those present, a clear indication that parish representatives await an answer from the unitary authority.

CA-WN was pleased to have been invited to join West Northamptonshire and
Northampton Town Councils in arranging the Climate Summit and looks forward to participating in all subsequent events.

Climate Summit 2024 organising team:
For West Northamptonshire Council - Martin Wilson, Sustainability Manager
For Northampton Town Council - Cllr Paul Joyce & Cllr Andrew Stevens
For West Hunsbury Parish Council - Cllr Pete Spink
For Climate Action-West Northants (CA-WN) - Jane Wood