Agenda item


Community Nature Plan Restoring and Enhancing Nature and Green Spaces

** Please note that due to the size of the document, Appendix 4 to the report is published as a supplement to the main agenda pack and can be accessed online or via the mod.gov app **

 

Report of Assistant Director Wellbeing

 

Purpose of report

 

To note the progress of the 2018-2020 Community Nature Plan and clarity recent government guidance relating to restoring and enhancing nature and green spaces. The report also seeks approval for biodiversity net gain guidance; endorsement of seeking a minimum of 10% biodiversity net gain through engagement with the planning process; and approval of biodiversity in the built environment guidance.

 

Recommendations

            

The meeting is recommended:

 

 1.1          To note the progress of the Community Nature Plan 2018-20(attached as Appendix 1 and 2 to this report).

 

1.2           To note recent government guidance relating to restoring and enhancing nature and green spaces.

 

1.3           To approve biodiversity net gain guidance (attached as Appendices 3 and 4 to this report).

 

1.4           To endorse seeking a minimum of 10% biodiversity net gain through engagement with the planning process.

 

1.5           To approve a Biodiversity in the Built Environment Good Practice Guide ‘Preservation of existing nesting sites and provision of artificial nesting sites’ (attached as Appendix 5 to this report).

 

Decision:

Resolved

 

(1)            That the progress of the Community Nature Plan 2018-20 be noted.

 

(2)            That recent government guidance relating to restoring and enhancing nature and green spaces be noted.

 

(3)            That the biodiversity net gain guidance (annexes to the Minutes as set out in the Minute Book) be approved.  

 

(4)            That seeking a minimum of 10% biodiversity net gain through engagement with the planning process be endorsed.

 

(5)            That a Biodiversity in the Built Environment Good Practice Guide ‘Preservation of existing nesting sites and provision of artificial nesting sites’ (annex to the Minutes as set out in the Minute Book) be approved.

Minutes:

The Assistant Director, Wellbeing submitted a report which summarised the progress of the 2018-2020 Community Nature Plan and provided clarity on recent government guidance relating to restoring and enhancing nature and green spaces. The report also sought approval for biodiversity net gain guidance; endorsement of seeking a minimum of 10% biodiversity net gain through engagement with the planning process; and approval of biodiversity in the built environment guidance.

 

At the discretion of the Chairman, Councillor Broad addressed Executive.

 

Resolved

 

(1)            That the progress of the Community Nature Plan 2018-20 be noted.

 

(2)            That recent government guidance relating to restoring and enhancing nature and green spaces be noted.

 

(3)            That the biodiversity net gain guidance (annexes to the Minutes as set out in the Minute Book) be approved. 

 

(4)            That seeking a minimum of 10% biodiversity net gain through engagement with the planning process be endorsed.

 

(5)            That a Biodiversity in the Built Environment Good Practice Guide ‘Preservation of existing nesting sites and provision of artificial nesting sites’ (annex to the Minutes as set out in the Minute Book) be approved.

 

Reasons

 

‘Restoring and Enhancing Nature and Green Spaces’ for the benefit of people and wildlife is a crucial element of important development and economic decisions. Failure to recognise and assess the multiple benefits of the natural environment will affect community health and wellbeing, important habitats and species and future economic growth. This report provides an update on the Community Plan, demonstrating how the Council is fulfilling its statutory biodiversity duty; and seeks approval for recommendations which support guidance that will enable the Council to invest wisely in the District’s natural environment and help to contribute to healthy outcomes for people and wildlife.

 

Alternative Options

 

Option 1: To reject the recommendations in the report. This is not proposed as the recommendations are in accordance with government guidance, best practice and the Council’s statutory biodiversity duty

 

Option 2: To amend the recommendations in the report. This is not proposed as the recommendations are in accordance with government guidance, best practice and the Council’s statutory biodiversity duty

 

Supporting documents: