Decision

The Green Infrastructure Project Manager gave
the Committee an update on the delivery of Suitable Alternative
Natural Greenspace – SANG:
 

·        
Greenspace Project (SANG) Officer now in place, with initial focus
on proposals for Exmouth SANG, progression of Exeter Valley Park
Projects and work with East Devon’s planners to ensure the
next phases of Cranbrook’s Developer provided SANG (which
will deliver over 78Ha of SANG) meet Natural England
requirements;

·        
Dawlish Country Park, Ridgetop Country Park and Cranbrook Country
Park were identified as Strategic SANG sites in the Mitigation
Strategy and have been delivered to date. The final phase of
Ridgetop Country Park is being completed, and the next phases of
SANG at Cranbrook are being developed within each of the extension
phases;

·        
Following a site options appraisal exercise potential sites for a
Strategic SANG in Exmouth had been identified. Once an in-principle
agreement with landowners is in place the proposals will be put
forward to the Committee;

·        
Discussions on the potential to bring forward enhancement projects
to Exeter Valley Parks to increase their functionality as SANG have
taken place;

·        
Work is progressing on site at Clyst Meadows (10Ha SANG at
Broadclyst Station), with expectation that the main contract will
commence in shortly, and is likely to be completed next year with
an anticipated opening date of September 2026. Further hedgerow
planting to the edges of the site with volunteers over the winter
are planned;

·        
Work is underway to understand the quantum of Strategic SANG
required to meet residential allocations in the emerging Local
Plans,  and estimated costs for the delivery and management of
these. A report will come forward to the Committee, setting out the
requirements and estimated costs, alongside a proposed funding
strategy for the partner authorities;

·        
congratulations to Cranbrook Town Council - Cranbrook Country Park
has just won a Green Flag Award for the second year running.
 
RESOLVED that the committee note the
update.