Content

Decision:

1.           
Approved the creation of a habitat bank on Tyting
Farm Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace
(SANG).

2.           
Authorised the Joint Executive
Head of Environmental Services, in consultation with the Lead
Councillor for Environment and relevant ward councillors, to
deliver, manage, and operate habitat banks on appropriate council
owned land.
Reason(s):

1.           
The proposed pilot habitat bank at Tyting Farm SANG
would deliver tangible and significant environmental improvements
that would not be delivered without the proposal. The project would
be cost neutral or provide an income for the Council so can be
considered a ‘win-win’ option.

2.           
The provision of habitat banks on Council land will
generally provide strong environmental benefits, with wider direct
and indirect social and economic benefits, and direct benefits for
the Council.

3.           
Habitat banks would emerge regardless of Council
action but by taking a leading position now the Council could
ensure that the public good from BNG was maximised and that other
planning benefits were not jeopardised by unreasonably high costs
levied by private habitat banks seeking maximum
profits.

4.           
The proposed pilot habitat bank at Tyting Farm SANG
was considered a low-risk option as it would be cost neutral at
worst, result in no opportunity cost, entail limited and manageable
risks, and would enhance the existing SANG
function.
Other options considered and rejected by the
Executive:
To
do nothing
The government envisaged that a market in
biodiversity credits would develop, and the Council was under no
obligation to create habitat banks. It was therefore possible to
leave the provision of habitat banks to other
landowners.
However, private providers of credits, at least
in the early years, may be able to corner the market and demand
high sums which in turn could impact on both development viability
and/or the provision of other planning benefits.
In the event that no local habitat banks come
forward, developers may seek credits provided by other boroughs or
the proposed national habitat banks of last resort, resulting in
development in Guildford funding environmental improvements
elsewhere in the country.
Details of any conflict of interest declared by
the Leader or lead councillors and any dispensation
granted:
None.