Purpose

Details about the implementation of
Biodiversity Net Gain legislation at the council, including the
creation of a habitat banking vehicle for the provision of
biodiversity units on council-owned land to fulfil demand for
developments that require offsite biodiversity
enhancement.

Content

The Cabinet has
considered a report detailing a proposal to create and sell
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) units on Council owned land, working in
conjunction with Greater Manchester Combined Authority who would
offer the necessary ‘Responsible Body’ function to
facilitate the BNG service, and has:-
 
(1) Given approval in
principle to the proposal to utilise the ‘Responsible
Body’ route offered by the GMCA for the purpose of creating
and selling Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) units on Council owned
land.
 
(2) Delegated
authority to Deputy Chief Executive, in consultation with the
Cabinet Member for Housing & Environment, to finalise the terms
of the agreement with the GMCA or to adopt alternative arrangements
for the discharge of the Council’s duty to develop and sell
BNG units in the light of prevailing circumstances.
 
(3) Given approval in
principle to the selection and designation of three sites proposed
for habitat bank creation as detailed in Section 8 of the
report.
 
(4) Delegated
authority to the Director of Place Management, in consultation with
the Cabinet Member for Housing & Environment, to finalise the
designation and delivery of the sites selected for habitat bank
creation; or the selection, designation and approval of alternative
suitable council owned sites to deliver BNG units should those
identified in Section 8 of the report not prove viable.
 
(5) Delegated
authority to authority to the Director of Place Management, in
consultation with the Cabinet Member for Housing & Environment,
to determine when it may be viable to proceed with creating BNG
units on council owned land, following financial and legal
appraisal.

Alternative options considered

None.