Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: December 10, 2024

Purpose: To approve the assignment of three areas of Council-owned land as Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) habitat banks, enabling the sale of biodiversity units to developers to meet mandatory BNG requirements, while keeping biodiversity benefits within the borough. To delegate authority for the establishment and management of all BNG habitat banks to the Executive Director: Place, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Planning, Transport and Countryside.

Content: RESOLVED that:   i.       the establishment of Council-owned land to act as BNG habitat banks, to enable the Council to sell biodiversity units to developers to meet the mandatory requirement for BNG is approved   ii.     the Executive Director: Place in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Planning, Transport and Countryside is authorised to:   ·       authorise completion of Conservation Covenants between the Council and an appropriate Responsible Body for the delivery of BNG habitat banks; and ·       secure the addition of BNG habitat banks to the national Biodiversity Gain Site Register;