Decision details

It was highlighted that the Environment Act 2021 had introduced mandatory requirements relating to Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), which require all new developments (unless exempted) to deliver a minimum of 10% measurable net gains to biodiversity. Requirements surrounding BNG were complex and technical and so the Council had prepared a BNG Planning Advisory Note (PAN) to provide developers with the necessary guidance. The report was submitted to seek endorsement of the PAN and its approval for publication on the Council website.

RESOLVED –

That the Executive Board:

·       Endorse the Biodiversity Net Gain Planning Advisory Note (attached as Appendix 1) and approve it, and the associated online mapping, for publication (see Background Paper section for link to the associated online mapping site); and

·       Grant delegated authority to the Strategic Director for Growth and Development, in consultation with the Executive Member for Growth and Development, to update the BNG applicant checklists as BNG information requirements change.