Decision details

*RESOLVED –

1.    That the implementation of a pilot scheme to create units for biodiversity enhancement to be used to support off-site provision of habitat as part of applications for planning permission, where applicants have been unable to provide a measurable net gain in biodiversity on-site, be authorised.

2.    That an assessment of the council’s full land portfolio to identify potential medium and long term Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) opportunity sites which would form a ‘habitat bank’ to support nature recovery across the borough, dependent on subsequent Cabinet approval following an evaluation of the pilot schemes, be authorised.

3.    That officers be authorised to work with partners to determine sites of strategic significance for biodiversity within the borough, with the aim to bring a strategy document for BNG informed by the results of the pilot, to a future Cabinet meeting.

REASONS FOR DECISIONS

1.    To enable the council to become a provider of off-site BNG to:

                        i.         Support the delivery of Local Plan policy CLP16.

                      ii.         Support housing delivery and economic growth through the provision of a clear and accessible solution to achieving planning compliance where applicants have demonstrated that they are unable to provide BNG on-site.

                     iii.         Support the creation and retention of appropriate habitat types within the borough, enhancing local communities and reducing the risk of developers seeking solutions outside of the borough.

                    iv.         Support implementation of the Climate Change Action Plan.

2.    A number of planning applications currently under consideration have demonstrated that they are unable to meet the entirety of their BNG requirement on-site. Timely assessment of sites shortlisted as suitable for rewilding through scoping work initially undertaken by Derbyshire Wildlife Trust will maximise opportunity to deliver BNG and maintain housing growth across the borough, however further investigation is recommended around the number of BNG units these sites can accommodate. The procurement of further assessment would ensure that the council is able to sustain an offer of biodiversity units throughout the pilot period.

3.    When the Environment Act makes BNG mandatory (expected to be Winter 2023) the demand for off-site biodiversity opportunities is likely to increase. Establishing a habitat bank within the council’s landholdings provides an opportunity to gain best value by identifying suitable land capable of accommodating a range of habitat types, in locations which are strategically important for nature.