Councillor Helen Fenton

The Environment Committee decided to agree the habitat bank application process and approve the schedule of fees on 17 September 2026. This decision will introduce a two-stage fee structure for reviewing and approving habitat bank applications. The fees are intended to recover officer time and include a £697 fee for an Expression of Interest and a £2,405 fee for a Full Habitat Bank Application Review.

The Environment Committee decided to abandon a public footpath diversion order Standish EST 43 and delegate authority to officers to serve the appropriate notices on 11 June 2026. The committee agreed to abandon the order and delegate authority to officers to serve the appropriate notices.

The Environment Committee resolved to recommend to Council the approval of the Task and Finish Group's final recommendations regarding appointments to Outside Bodies on 23/04/2026. The committee agreed to note the appointment and reporting lines and approved the recommendations from the Task and Finish Group. The decision included producing updated Member guidance for Outside Bodies, contacting all Outside Bodies annually to confirm Member attendance, and maintaining accurate contact information for Members and Outside Bodies.

...approved the final Climate and Nature Strategy, noting the results of the public consultation and delegating authority for minor changes.

...noted the forecast outturn position against the revenue budgets and Capital Programme for the second quarter of the 2025/26 financial year, indicating a projected net revenue underspend of £389k and a capital programme forecast spend of £4.287m against a revised budget of £7.717m.