Purpose

To approve the ‘Island Site’ in the middle of the River Gipping at Sproughton be formally designated as a Local Nature Reserve.

Decision

It was RESOLVED: -

1. 1.1         That, Cabinet accepted the recommendation (Option B), to approve the designation of the green infrastructure areas and island (Graphic 1) at Sproughton Enterprise Park, as a Local Nature Reserve (LNR).
2. 1.2         That, delegated authority was given to the Director of Operations and Climate Change, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Biodiversity and Nature Recovery, to conclude the necessary documentation for the Declaration as soon as practically possible.

REASON FOR DECISION

By formally recognising the green infrastructure areas and island at Sproughton Enterprise Park as a Local Nature Reserve, the council can protect the wildlife and public value of the site ensuring low cost and a sustainable future.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

Option A – do nothing. The green infrastructure areas and island at Sproughton Enterprise Park, could continue to be managed through the Landscape and Ecological Management Plan (LEMP). This option is not believed to be sustainable and could be at the detriment to the long term retention of the site.

Any Declarations of Interests Declared: None

Any Dispensation Granted: None