Decision details

The paper set out the minutes from the Cabinet Planning and Parking Panel held on 17^th August 2023.

Councillor Kingsbury thanked the Cabinet for agreeing to bring this item back to Cabinet Planning and Parking Panel prior to 1^st March 2024. Councillor Kingsbury queried whether the 10% aim would be considered as part of the Local Plan. Councillor Quinton confirmed that 10% would be the minimum and the administration would be looking for opportunities to increase this.

DECISION TAKEN

RESOLVED:

(unanimous)

The Cabinet agreed that the Biodiversity Net Gain Guidance Note be endorsed, and that authority be delegated to the Assistant Director (Planning) in consultation with the Executive Member for Planning, to update the Guidance Note as required with a further report detailing subsequent changes to come back to CPPP before 1 March 2024.

REASON FOR DECISION

This report presents the Biodiversity Net Gain - Guidance Note for the Panel’s

consideration and onward recommendation for approval by Cabinet.

On commencement of the relevant provisions of the Environment Act 2021, a mandatory requirement for Biodiversity Net Gain of at least 10% will be brought into force for development under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

Secondary legislation, and further national guidance is awaited to clarify how the

mandatory requirement will be applied in practice.

The Guidance Note had been prepared to provide interim guidance and information for applicants and decision makers on how the mandatory requirement for Biodiversity Net Gain will apply to development proposals. Reference is also made to relevant policies in the emerging Local Plan.