Agenda item

Report of Councillor J Kenyon, Portfolio Holder for Climate Change

The Portfolio Holder for Transformation and Climate Change, Councillor J Kenyon, presented a report that outlined the risks posed by sky lanterns and helium balloons.   Council heard that there was a number of risks which included litter nuisance, fire, and a significant danger to animals, livestock, and aviation traffic such as aeroplanes and helicopters. 

The Portfolio Holder explained that the Council advised residents to celebrate special occasions in alternative ways, and informed Members of a recent fire in the Midlands that had caused millions of pounds worth of damage due to a sky lantern being released. 

Members heard that the Council wished to send a clear message to residents, and that it would work with local schools to increase awareness of the risks posed by sky lanterns. It was stated the Council would continue to work with the District’s MP to ensure that the issue was considered by Parliament.

The report recommended that North East Derbyshire District Council and Rykneld Homes Limited introduce a Charter to ban the release of sky lanterns and helium balloons on any land or property owned by the Council. 

Councillor N Barker echoed Councillor J Kenyon’s comments, and offered his and the Labour Group’s support to the report’s recommendations. 

The Leader of the Council, Councillor M E Thacker MBE, stated that the actions being taken by the Council were a starting point, and that the public remained vigilant as Councillors had received numerous complaints outlining the concerns of some residents. 

It was stated that the Council did not support the use of sky lanterns and helium balloons, and whilst it did not have the powers to fully ban their use in the District, it did have the power to ban their use on Council land and property. 

Councillors R Shipman and P Windley offered their support, and stated that they believed that banning sky lanterns and helium balloons on Council land was the right thing to do.  Councillor R Shipman enquired about how the ban would be applicable to Rykneld tenants.  The Leader of the Council, Councillor M E Thacker MBE, advised that the banning of such balloons would be incorporated into future tenancy agreements. 

RESOLVED – That the Council, together with Rykneld Homes Ltd, adopts and promotes a Charter as follows:-

North East Derbyshire District Council and Rykneld Homes Ltd has banned the release of sky lanterns and balloons on any land or property owned by the Council. 

We are committed to encouraging businesses, communities, landowners and individuals to switch to alternative ways of celebrating and commemorating events. 

North East Derbyshire District Council and Rykneld Homes Ltd pledges to:-

·                    Promote the restriction of the release of all types of helium-filled balloons and sky lanterns on property and land owned by the Council.  This includes those that are made from bamboo or claim to be biodegradable.

·                    Engage with businesses, communities, landowners, schools and individuals to encourage them to sign up to this Charter.

·                    Raise awareness of safer and more environmentally friendly alternatives that people can celebrate with, through promotion and campaigns.