Decision details

Biodiversity Net Gain

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: No

Is subject to call in?: Yes

Purpose:

To update Cabinet on emerging statutory provisions for Biodiversity Net Gain within the planning system and preparations underway and required for BCP Council to proactively respond

Decision:

RESOLVED that Cabinet: -

(a)     support the principle of biodiversity net gain and endorse the planning service using available tools to deliver the forthcoming statutory requirements where possible at the present time;

(b)    note the formation of the officer Task Force between Planning and Environment and ask for a report of their work and recommendations within 6 months of the December 2021 Cabinet;

(c)     support the £93,000 of ongoing revenue funding requested from 2022/23 onwards, to sufficiently resource the services outlined in this report; and

(d)    notes that the £93,000 per annum from 2022/23 onwards will formally be recommended to Council as part of the 2022/23 budget and Medium-Term Financial Plan Update report in February 2022.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Development, Growth and Regeneration

Reason

To ensure the Council is ready for and at the forefront of the biodiversity net gain requirements set out in the Environment Act.

Report author: Nick Perrins

Publication date: 17/12/2021

Date of decision: 15/12/2021

Decided at meeting: 15/12/2021 - Cabinet

Effective from: 25/12/2021

Accompanying Documents: