Purpose

To seek the formal adoption of the Biodiversity and Green Infrastructure Supplementary Planning Document to be used as a material consideration in the determination of relevant planning applications.

Decision

RESOLVED that:

·       the adoption of the Biodiversity and Green Infrastructure Supplementary

Planning Document (Appendix A) be approved.

·       Cabinet delegates authority to the Executive Director: Place in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Planning, Transport and Countryside to approve any necessary minor amendments to the Biodiversity and Green Infrastructure Supplementary Planning Document prior to publication.

Reasons for the decision

The Bracknell Forest Local Plan was adopted in March 2024 and sets out the vision and strategy for the Borough to 2037.

 Applications are now being determined in accordance with the Bracknell Forest Local Plan, which contains the strategic policies LP 30 Green Infrastructure, LP 31 Designated nature conservation and geological sites and policy LP 53 Biodiversity. It is important that associated guidance is provided to avoid ambiguity about how policies will be interpreted and applied in the determination of planning applications.

Alternative options considered

The Council could choose to not adopt the Supplementary Planning Document. The absence of an adopted up to date Supplementary Planning Document would make the assessment of planning applications open to interpretation. Adoption of the Supplementary Planning Document will assist potential developers by providing clarity on the Council’s expectations on how policies should be applied. In providing clarity, the Council is less likely to be put into an appeal position with a need to defend policies on these matters (reducing the financial and time burden on Council resources).

There is no option to delay the adoption of the Supplementary Planning Document. This is because Regulation 6 of the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023 (Commencement No.11 and Saving and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2026 states that supplementary planning documents can be adopted no later than 30 June 2026. This is part of the changes to the national plan making system.