Decision

That the Cabinet Member:

a) notes the consultation responses received in relation to: the Adur Green Infrastructure SPD; the Biodiversity Net Gain Technical Advice Note the Urban Greening Technical Advice Note

b) notes the officer consideration of representations as set out within Appendix A – Consultation Response Schedule

c) approves the amendments identified within Appendix B – Schedule of Amendments Following Consultation

d) adopts the Adur Green Infrastructure SPD

e) jointly adopts with Worthing Borough Council: the Biodiversity Net Gain Technical Advice Note; the Urban Greening Technical Advice Note

f) authorises publication of the adopted documents and associated consultation material.

g) delegates authority to the Head of Planning to make any minor, non-material, editorial, typographical, formatting, grammatical, cross-referencing and presentational amendments to the adopted documents and supporting appendices prior to publication, provided that such amendments do not materially alter the substance, intent or policy position of the documents.

Reasons for the decision

The Adur Green Infrastructure and Biodiversity Supplementary Planning Document (SPD), together with the Biodiversity Net Gain Technical Advice Note and Urban Greening Technical Advice Note, provide important guidance to support the implementation of adopted planning policies relating to green infrastructure, biodiversity, biodiversity net gain, urban greening, trees and sustainable drainage systems.

The documents have been subject to public consultation and have been amended in response to representations received. The amendments improve clarity, usability and consistency with adopted planning policy while maintaining the purpose of the documents as guidance rather than introducing new policy requirements. The SPD and Technical Advice Notes will support the consistent, transparent and proportionate assessment of planning applications, assist applicants in preparing development proposals, and contribute to the delivery of biodiversity enhancement, climate resilience, sustainable drainage, urban greening and wider environmental objectives across Adur.

Alternative options considered

Option 1 – Not adopt the documents.

This option was rejected as it would result in the absence of up-to-date planning guidance to support the implementation of adopted Local Plan policies relating to green infrastructure, biodiversity and biodiversity net gain. This could reduce consistency in decision-making and provide less certainty for applicants and decision-makers.

Option 2 – Undertake further consultation and defer adoption.

This option was considered unnecessary as the documents have already been subject to public consultation and the representations received have been carefully considered. Appropriate amendments have been made where necessary and officers are satisfied that the documents are suitable for adoption.