Issue - meetings

Report of Executive Director Place and Regeneration

Purpose of report

To consider and endorse the Biodiversity Duty Report 2024-25.

Recommendations

The Executive resolves:

1.1           To endorse the Biodiversity Dury Report 2024-25.

1.2           To note that following the completion and adoption of a Community Biodiversity Plan, an annual update be presented to the Executive.

Resolved

(1)          That the Biodiversity Duty Report 2024-25 be endorsed.

(2)          That it be noted following the completion and adoption of a Community Biodiversity Plan, an annual update be presented to the Executive.

The Executive Director Place and Regeneration submitted a report to consider and endorse the Biodiversity Duty Report 2024-25.

Resolved

(1)          That the Biodiversity Duty Report 2024-25 be endorsed.

(2)          That it be noted following the completion and adoption of a Community Biodiversity Plan, an annual update be presented to the Executive.

Reasons

The Biodiversity Duty Report is presented for the reporting year 2024-25 to demonstrate what the Council is doing to conserve and enhance biodiversity, to highlight the relevant policies and objectives that are contributing to meeting the biodiversity objective and where delivery is being achieved. It also identifies the future actions necessary for on-going statutory compliance and to demonstrably improve the variety of the living organisms and ecosystems that comprise Cherwell’s natural environment.  Members are invited to endorse the report and the proposal for an annual report following the completion of the Community Biodiversity Plan which will also be presented to the Executive.

Alternative options

Option 1: The Executive could decide not to endorse the Biodiversity Duty Report. This option is not recommended as the Report will assist in meeting statutory requirements notwithstanding the on-going commitment to produce the Community Biodiversity Plan within the new Biodiversity and Climate Resilience Service.