Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved (subject to call-in)

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: November 27, 2025

Purpose: This report presents the proposed Thanet Biodiversity Strategy, which sets out a vision “to protect, enhance, and restore Thanet’s biodiversity through responsible development, habitat conservation, and community engagement”. The Strategy covers all major habitats in the district – woodlands, coasts, wetlands, farmland, and urban greenspaces – and establishes five thematic priorities (Renewed Woodlands, Dynamic Marinescapes, Robust Wetlands, Biodiverse Agriculture, and Urban Connection) to guide local nature recovery. It outlines clear objectives (e.g. enforcing Biodiversity Net Gain in development, creating habitat banks, sustainable land management, improving habitat connectivity, and engaging communities) to deliver measurable biodiversity improvements across Thanet. The Strategy is intended as a framework for Thanet District Council (TDC) to integrate nature recovery into planning, land management, and community initiatives, in line with county and national-level targets.

Content: Cabinet agreed the following:   1.  To approve the Draft Biodiversity Strategy for Thanet for public consultation, and to approve the Strategy document and its overarching vision and objectives (including the implementation of mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain and habitat restoration initiatives) for consultation and future adoption, subject to consultation. And, subject to the consultation outcomes;   2.  To integrate Strategy objectives into Council policy. Embed its actions in the Local Plan, planning guidance, and asset management to ensure new developments deliver biodiversity gains and that Council-owned lands are managed for nature;   3.  To allocate resources and partnerships. Commit staff time and budgets to deliver key actions (e.g. establishing habitat banks, planting woodlands, enhancing wetlands) and formalise partnerships with stakeholders such as Kent Wildlife Trust, Natural England, local farmers, community groups and schools to support implementation;   4.  To pursue external funding and monitoring. Actively apply for environmental grants and developer contributions (through BNG and Section 106), and establish monitoring frameworks (as per Strategy) to track outcomes.

Reasons for the decision: 1.  Thanet’s rich natural environment – including chalk cliffs, coastal dunes, wetlands, species-rich grasslands, and farmland – supports many birds, plants, and invertebrates. However, this biodiversity is under serious threat from habitat loss, fragmentation and degradation driven by development, intensive agriculture, historic land-use changes, and pollution. Climate change (coastal erosion, extreme weather) and invasive species add further pressure. Without intervention, key species and ecosystems could decline irreversibly. 2.  The Strategy provides a coordinated, place-based plan to reverse these trends by restoring and reconnecting habitats. Its five interlinked themes align with the Kent Local Nature Recovery Strategy and national priorities. For example, wooded corridors will improve wildlife movement and carbon storage, while enhanced coastal and wetland habitats will boost flood protection and water quality. This multifaceted approach delivers co-benefits for climate adaptation, flood risk management, and community wellbeing.  3.  In summary, adopting the Strategy is needed to halt local biodiversity decline, meet TDC’s statutory obligations (e.g. under the Environment Act’s biodiversity duty and biodiversity net gain requirements), and contribute to wider environmental and public health goals.

Alternative options considered: Full Strategy Adoption (Recommended): Implementing the Strategy’s comprehensive approach ensures coordinated nature recovery across Thanet. It aligns TDC with legal requirements and unlocks grant funding. This option maximises biodiversity gains and community benefits. Partial or Thematic Adoption: The Council could focus only on selected themes or individual projects. While this yields some improvements, it risks inconsistent outcomes and may forgo the efficiency of an integrated plan. Maintain Status Quo: Rejecting a formal strategy would mean continuing current, fragmented practices. Inaction risks ongoing habitat decline and missed funding opportunities, and may leave TDC out of step with statutory biodiversity net gain requirements.