Content

Recommendation approved
 
Reasons for recommendation
There are statutory
requirements with regards biodiversity and the implementation of
mandatory BNG as part of the planning function. This dedicated
resource will provide the necessary dedicated resource for the
Council to deliver its duties.
 
The resource will develop and
implement new services which will deliver a revenue income for the
Council and also create habitat banks
which will enable BNG to remain within the borough and could
attract investment in BNG from developments from other
boroughs.
 
Other
options considered and rejected
Do nothing. If the post of
Biodiversity Gain Project Lead were not to become established,
a number of statutory duties would
either need to be outsourced or become a burden on other
departments within the Council. The work to establish habitat banks
would cease and therefore offsite biodiversity net gain generated
through the planning process would be most likely delivered outside
the borough, leading to a net loss of biodiversity over
time.