Purpose

To approve a
potential Site of Biological Interest in the Pennines
Township

Content

 The Township Committee considered a report
of the Director of Economy and Place, which sought approval of the
designation of Ley Wood as new Site of Biological Interest
(SBI).
 
The Woodlands and
Natural Capital Projects Officer attended the meeting to present
the information and to address questions and comments of the
Committee.
 
The Officer
informed that nature conservation interest of the area could be
taken into account as material consideration when planning
applications were being considered.
 
The Officer
continued informing that SBIs were local planning designations in
Greater Manchester that highlighted areas of nature conservation
importance, containing valuable habitats, plants, and
animals.
 
Although they
lacked statutory protection like Sites of Special Scientific
Interest (SSSIs), they were considered in planning applications
affecting these areas.
 
The Greater
Manchester Ecology Unit (GMEU) annually recommended new SBIs (if
applicable) and changes to existing ones, which were reported to
the relevant Township(s) for adoption for planning
purposes.
 
The latest review
undertaken by GMEU had recommended that a new SBI be designated in
the Pennines Township area.
 
Ley Wood was
mainly located in Oldham but there was some overlap with the
Milnrow and Newhey Ward. The site was deciduous woodland priority
habitat and had indicator species associated with Ancient Woodland.
There was also historical evidence of woodland in this location.
The new SBI would be assigned Grade C status (of importance within
the identified geographical locality).The new SBI was located on
privately owned land.
 
Resolved that the designation of
Ley Wood as Site of Biological Interest be approved, so that the
nature conservation interest of the area can be taken into account
when planning applications are being considered.
 
Reason for
decision:
According to the
National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), planning decisions
should enhance the natural and local environment by protecting and
enhancing valued biodiversity sites. The areas identified by
experts as having local biodiversity value should be protected in
planning decisions.
 
Alternatives
considered and rejected:
Not supporting the
proposed SBI designation would leave these key habitats vulnerable
to loss and damage from development.