Decision

(1)     That approval be given to:

a)      the adoption of the Black Country Local Nature Recovery Map and Strategy (Appendix 1) for planning purposes, including strategic delivery of biodiversity net gain in Sandwell;

b)      the establishment of six areas of Council-owned land to act as biodiversity net gain habitat banks, as set out in the draft Sandwell Local Plan and in time for the start of the mandatory requirement for biodiversity net gain on development sites (Appendix 2);

c)      Authorise the Leader of the Council and the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and WMCA, in consultation with the Director of Regeneration and Growth, to:

i.       authorise completion of Conservation Covenants between the Council and an appropriate responsible body for  the delivery of these sites as detailed in this report; and

ii.       secure the addition of these sites to the national Biodiversity Gain Site Register;

(2)     That future authority for any additional working on the drawing-up and delivery of biodiversity net gain habitat banks and associated projects be delegated to the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and WMCA and the Director responsible for Regeneration and Growth, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Leisure and Tourism and the Director responsible for Leisure and Tourism.