Purpose

To make a decision to accept or reject
proposals to designate new site of biological interest or make
alterations to existing designated sites in respect of Greater
Manchester Ecology Unit's recommendations.

Content

The Committee
considered a report of the Director of Economy and Place, which
sought approval of the Site of Biological Interest (SBI) within
Whittaker Wood, Ealees Wood and
Ealees Buckley Wood.
 
The Woodlands and
Natural Capital Projects Officer was in
attendance to present the information and to address the
questions and the comments of the Committee.
 
Resolved that the new
SBIs within Whittaker Wood, Ealees Wood
and Ealees Buckley Wood be approved.
 
Reason for
decision:
According to the
National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), planning decisions
should enhance the natural and local environment by protecting and
enhancing valued biodiversity sites. The areas identified by
experts as having local biodiversity value should be protected in planning decisions.
 
Alternatives
considered and rejected:
Not supporting the
proposed SBI designation would leave these key habitats vulnerable
to loss and damage from development.