Decision

RESOLVED

(a)  The Council’s approach to supporting Habitat Bank providers as outlined in this report to enable the delivery of off-site Biodiversity Net Gain where this cannot be achieved on-site is agreed,

(b)  The proposed ‘Habitat Bank Criteria’ to be used for assessing the suitability and viability of proposed Habitat Bank schemes be approved; and

(c)   That the Director of Place will authorise the entering into of any associated legal agreement to give effect to the above recommendations, pursuant to her delegation contained in the constitution be noted.

REASON

To ensure HDC is taking a consistent approach when entering legal agreements with potential Habitat Bank providers, and to guide officers’ assessment of prospective habitat banks to ensure that they align with HDC’s expectations to provide good quality habitats in appropriate areas within the district.

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED BUT REJECTED AS IDENTIFIED IN THE REPORT

The option of not producing a Habitat Bank Criteria document was considered. However, in the absence of such a document it will be difficult to demonstrate that HDC has considered separate approaches from prospective habitat bank providers in a consistent and fair manner. In addition, it could slow the creation of habitat banks, which in the longer term could limit the provision of BNG within Horsham District and may slow up the delivery of development that delivers BNG.