Purpose

To approve the release of £28,700 of
Section 106 development funding to improve the biodiversity value
of the woodland at Nine Mile Ride.

Decision

RESOLVED That £28,700 of s106
development funding (summarised in Annex 1), which is secured
towards enhancing open space of public value (including
biodiversity), is allocated to fund the final enhancements to
woodland at Nine Mile Ride.

Reasons for the decision

Site in need of woodland enhancements
 
Nine
Mile Ride has already benefitted from two phases of woodland
enhancement. This is part of an on-going biodiversity net gain
(BNG) woodland enhancement scheme (see Annex 4 for the site phasing
plan).
 
Biodiversity enhancement on this site has focused on the phased
removal of non-native invasive species, followed by replanting of
native tree and shrub species. The first phase of enhancements was
in autumn/winter of 2023/2024 and the second in the same period of
2024/2025. These phases were also funded by S106 funding from the
Coopers’ Hill development.
 
This
final phase is in a parcel of the woodland (W3) which is an
extension of the main woodland boundary. P&C has reached
agreement with the land managers in the council to enhance this
woodland. This will be the final phase of improvements across the
entire site. It will create continuity and ensure the woodland is
successfully managed for non-native shrub removal.
 
           
Mitigate impact of development and provide offsite
units
 
The
proposed biodiversity improvements are important for mitigating the
impact of local developments and will help to supply offsite
biodiversity units for biodiversity net gain
(BNG).  
 
BNG is
a way to contribute to the recovery of nature while developing
land. It is making sure the habitat for wildlife is in a measurably
better state than it was before development. 
 
For
planning applications submitted before 12 February 2024 the council
requires non-mandatory BNG from developments. Major planning
applications are expected to achieve 10 per cent biodiversity net
gain.
  
In
early 2024 BNG became mandatory for planning applications in
England. This was when Schedule 14 of the Environment Act added
Schedule 7A to the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. The
requirement for BNG is also contained within the Bracknell Forest
Local Plan (2024), under the biodiversity policy (LP53).
 
This
site forms one of several proposed “habitat banks”
using habitat enhancement to generate “units” which can
be sold to off-set biodiversity loss from development. It is
important for the council to have adequate offsite biodiversity
units available to developers for mandatory BNG. This prevents
vital biodiversity value being lost from the borough to similar
“habitat banks” elsewhere in the UK who have units to
sell.
 
Until
the council starts to receive more financial contributions for
biodiversity units from developments, we’re limited about
what BNG funding is available for us to draw from. Pump priming
this s106 funding is the only viable option to deliver this
work.
 
On a
local level, BNG will help to improve the quality of life for
people who live or work in Bracknell Forest by creating a greener
environment, rich in wildlife. It will also help combat climate
change and flood control. 
 
           
Health and wellbeing 
 
See
section 7.7 for an overview of health and wellbeing
benefits
 
           
Supported in polices and plans
 
The
proposed improvements re supported by plans and policies at a
national and local level. These include:

·      
National Planning Policy Framework
(NPPF) 

·      
The Council Plan 2023-2027  

·      
Biodiversity Action Plan (2024-2029)

·      
Bracknell Forest Borough Tree
Strategy 

·      
Bracknell Forest Local Plan (2024) and supporting
guidance
 

Alternative options considered

Revenue
funding wouldn’t cover the cost of these works. Using s106
capital funding is the only option to deliver these proposed
large-scale improvements to biodiversity.  

 

           
Not utilising funding to deliver these
improvements:  

·      
species would re-establish from this final parcel
and spread across the other parcels of woodland comprising the
site

·      
could result in local developments not being able to
meet the statutory minimum 10 per cent BNG
requirement.  

·      
might lead to the funds being returned to the
developers.  

·      
would be a missed opportunity to significantly
improve the biodiversity value of these natural
habitats. 

·      
could result in the loss of delivery of mandatory
biodiversity net gain habitat units being
provided. 
 
           
The work would take place over autumn/winter 2025/2026. (See Annex
4). If it were delayed,
it would impact the
scope of the work that can be delivered in 2025/26 financial year.
For example, the woodland improvements can only be carried out in
the autumn and winter months, outside of bird nesting season. The
work also needs to have drier weather conditions to proceed. This
leaves a limited time window when the work can be
competed.