Purpose

This
report will provide details of and seek approval to prepare/consult
on the Biodiversity Action Plan/reporting under the Statutory Duty
for Reporting on Biodiversity and continued support for
Biodiversity Net Gain project.

Decision

RESOLVED –

 
1.That
the Council’s Interim Net Gain project utilising Council
owned woodland be continued as proposed and the necessary work and
efforts be made to register the land for Biodiversity Net Gain
credits under the Environment Act 2021 including the appointment of
a consultant to undertake the necessary surveys and to provide
advice on the longer-term management of the scheme be
approved.
 
2. That
the Council continues preparation for Mandatory Biodiversity Net
Gain, commencing in 2023, to include:
 

-      
Continuing to develop guidance and procedures for
Development Management

-      
Collating information on Biodiversity Net Gain being
provided in the Borough and developing a longer-term strategy for
the offsite provision for Biodiversity Net Gain.

-      
The appointment of KCC Ecology under a Service Level
Agreement (SLA) to assist in the review of Biodiversity Net Gain
Plans submitted in support of planning applications in the Borough
be approved.

 
3. As
required by the Environment Act 2021, the Council prepare and
publish a Biodiversity Report through consultation with Members and
key stakeholders and that it shall meet the minimum requirements of
the Biodiversity Duty and set out the Council’s Biodiversity
Action Plan be approved. 
 
4. That
delegated authority be given to the Head of Planning in
consultation with the Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning to
implement the actions set out in recommendations 1-3, including
entering into an SLA with KCC Ecology following any necessary
negotiations be approved.  And further
that delegated authority be given to the Head of Legal Partnership
in consultation with the Head of Planning to negotiate and complete
all necessary agreements with the consultant referred to in Para 1
above, including negotiations with KCC Ecology to seek to secure a
1-year review clause and two training sessions for Members and
officers be approved. 
 
 
REASON FOR DECISION: To
comply with the Council’s Corporate Planning roles and
responsibilities under the Environment Act 2021.