Issue - meetings

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is an approach to development and / or land management that aims to leave biodiversity in a measurably better state than before. BNG in the development process is now a statutory requirement following Environment Act coming into force in November 2021. The Act proposes to require all development to deliver a mandatory 10% BNG to be maintained for at least 30 years. However, the Government are continuing to consult on the practical and legal details of the BNG requirements as part of secondary legislation. 

Cabinet considered a report in December 2021 outlining initial actions to implement BNG on a wider scale in the BCP Council area. This report updates the previous report and makes further recommendations.

The BNG Guidance Note is an interim position pending the national introduction of BNG. If Cabinet and Council supports its adoption it will be used to ensure that all new relevant development contributes to BNG in advance of the Act taking effect as encouraged by the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and current planning policies across the three legacy areas.

A review of the Council’s estate to understand the existing and potential biodiversity will allow the Council to undertake BNG projects that could be part funded by developers.

The preparation of a BNG strategy and implementation plan would enable the Council to plan for BNG across the Council estate and wider area in a joined coherent manner.

These proposals will play an important part in the work in progress of developing an effective BNG strategy in the BCP area. £90,000 has been identified for this project for 2022/23. To implement these proposals will require the appointment of a temporary ecologist for 18 months and so Cabinet is asked to extend the funding into 2023/24.

RESOLVED that Cabinet: -

(a)      Endorse the Biodiversity Net Gain Guidance Note to enable the early implementation of BNG on applicable development and delegate its publication to the Director of Planning;

(b)       Request the Planning and Environment Directorates to work jointly to prepare a Biodiversity Net Gain Strategy and an Implementation Plan;

(c)       Support a review of the Council’s estate to understand what biodiversity exists and what opportunities there are to enhance biodiversity; and

(d)       Roll forward to 2023/24 any remaining monies of the £90,000 earmarked for this project unspent in 2022/23.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Development, Growth and Regeneration

Reason

To enable the Council to be at the forefront of Biodiversity Net Gain delivery and meet the statutory obligations arising from the Environment Act and to have in place relevant policies and procedures.

The Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Economy and Strategic Planning presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'G' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

Cabinet was advised that Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is an approach to development and / or land management that aims to leave biodiversity in a measurably better state than before, and that BNG in the development process is now a statutory requirement following Environment Act coming into force in November 2021. Cabinet was informed that the Act proposes to require all development to deliver a mandatory 10% BNG to be maintained for at least 30 years. However, the Government are continuing to consult on the practical and legal details of the BNG requirements as part of secondary legislation. 

Cabinet was advised that a report had been considered in December 2021 outlining initial actions to implement BNG on a wider scale in the BCP Council area, and that this report updates the previous report and makes further recommendations.

In relation to this Cabinet was informed that the BNG Guidance Note is an interim position pending the national introduction of BNG, and that if Cabinet and Council supports its adoption it will be used to ensure that all new relevant development contributes to BNG in advance of the Act taking effect as encouraged by the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and current planning policies across the three legacy areas.

Further to this Cabinet was advised that a review of the Council’s estate to understand the existing and potential biodiversity will allow the Council to undertake BNG projects that could be part funded by developers, and that the preparation of a BNG strategy and implementation plan would enable the Council to plan for BNG across the Council estate and wider area in a joined coherent manner.

In addition to this Cabinet was advised that these proposals will play an important part in the work in progress of developing an effective BNG strategy in the BCP area. £90,000 has been identified for this project for 2022/23, and that implementing these proposals will require the appointment of a temporary ecologist for 18 months and so Cabinet is asked to extend the funding into 2023/24.

Councillor Butler addressed the Cabinet questioning the reasoning for not having a full time ecologist.

Councillor Hadley addressed the Cabinet welcoming the report and questioned how nature corridors through peoples gardens could be encouraged.

The Portfolio Holder addressed the questions and whilst acknowledging the importance of the ecologist role advised that whilst it was hoped that this would become a permanent role that it would be dependent on resources and this being included within the next budget.

RESOLVED that Cabinet: -

(a)          Endorse the Biodiversity Net Gain Guidance Note to enable the early implementation of BNG on applicable development and delegate its publication to the Director of Planning;

(b)          Request the Planning and Environment Directorates to work jointly to prepare a Biodiversity Net  ...  view the full minutes text for item 32