Purpose

The report outlines the responses received from the public consultation on the draft Thanet Biodiversity Strategy (which ran from 15th May - 28th June 2026) and recommends approving amendments and adopting the final strategy document. The strategy sets out a framework to protect, enhance, and restore Thanet’s natural environment across five strategic themes: Renewed Woodlands, Dynamic Marinescapes, Robust Wetlands, Biodiverse Agriculture, and Urban Connection.

Decision

Cabinet agreed the following:

1. To approve the amendments suggested from comments on the Draft Biodiversity Strategy for Thanet public consultation, and to approve the Strategy document and its overarching vision and objectives (including the implementation of mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain and habitat restoration initiatives);

And, subject to the adopted amendment outcomes:

1. Integrate Strategy objectives into Council policy. Embed its actions in the Local Plan, planning guidance, and asset management to ensure new developments deliver biodiversity gains and that Council-owned lands are managed for nature;
2. Allocate resources and partnerships. Commit staff time and budgets to deliver key actions (e.g. establishing habitat banks, planting woodlands, enhancing wetlands) and formalise partnerships with stakeholders such as Kent Wildlife Trust, Natural England, local farmers, community groups and schools to support implementation;
3. Pursue external funding and monitoring. Actively apply for environmental grants and developer contributions (through BNG and Section 106), and establish monitoring frameworks (as per Strategy) to track outcomes.

Reasons for the decision

To halt and reverse local biodiversity decline across Thanet’s coastal, wetland, woodland, agricultural, and urban habitats.

To meet the Council’s statutory biodiversity duty under the Environment Act 2021, including mandatory requirements for BNG.

Alternative options considered

Partial or Thematic Adoption: Focusing only on selected themes or individual projects/ Rejected because it risks inconsistent outcomes, lacks coordination, and forfeits the efficiency and impact of a holistic approach.

Maintaining the status quo: Continuing current fragmented practices. Rejected because inaction risks ongoing habitat decline, missed funding opportunities, and non-compliance with statutory requirements under the Environment Act 2021.