Cabinet Member for Environment
Decision:
It was RESOLVED:-
1.1 That the Biodiversity Action Plan, as created by the Biodiversity Task Force, be adopted.
1.2 That the Biodiversity Task Force group continue to meet to monitor the Action Plan and consider new ideas for increasing biodiversity.
Reason for Decision: This Council recognises the increasing pace with which natural habitat is being lost and that it too has now become a biodiversity emergency. This decision will enable the Council to include ‘biodiversity net gain’ as a strategic priority.
Alternative Options Considered and Rejected: The options considered by the Biodiversity Task Force are detailed in the Biodiversity Action Plan, attached as Appendix A to the report.
Any Declaration of Interest Declared: None
Any Dispensation Granted: None
Minutes:
19.1 The Cabinet Member for Environment introduced the report which presented the work of the Biodiversity Task Force, and thanked all those involved with the development of the Biodiversity Action Plan.
19.2 Councillor Fleming moved the recommendations in the report. Councillor Burn seconded the recommendations.
19.3 Members commended the members of the Task Force and officers for the work undertaken.
19.4 The Assistant Director for Environment and Commercial Partnerships responded to Councillor Brewster’s queries regarding the number of trees detailed in paragraph 4.17 of the report.
19.5 Following a further question from Councillor Brewster, the Cabinet Member for Environment outlined the consultation which had taken place with Town and Parish Councils and provided details of further work to be undertaken.
19.6 Councillor Burn enquired whether there was a working protocol for integrating the work carried out by Mid Suffolk District Council and other Authorities across the County. Councillor Fleming recognised the need for collaboration of this kind and advised that plans were being made to ensure this was possible.
19.7 In response to Councillor Gould’s questions regarding the financial aspects of the plan it was confirmed that some aspects would require funding from both Councils, and some would be funded individually.
19.8 The Cabinet Member for Environment, and the Assistant Director for Environment and Commercial Partnerships responded to Members questions on issues including green burials, the timescale for commencement of works and any trials that would take place, the cost involved with planting trees, Tree Preservation Orders, open spaces on new building developments, and arrangements for assisting schools with education on biodiversity issues.
19.9 The Corporate Manager for Public Realm responded to a question raised by Councillor Welham regarding the number of open spaces in the districts and how open spaces were defined.
19.10 In response to questions from Councillor Eburne, the Corporate Manager for Public Realm confirmed that consideration had been given to funding via a Woodland Trust Grant however as a Local Authority the eligibility criteria was not met. The Assistant Director for Environment and Commercial Partnerships advised that information would be provided regarding whether the funding for the plans would come from the General Fund or the Climate Change budget.
19.11 Councillor Eburne went on to enquire how Ward Members could become involved with large site within their wards which are not owned by Mid Suffolk District Council. The Assistant Director for Environment and Commercial Partnerships advised that the Public Realm Team would welcome any input and local knowledge.
19.12 Following a question regarding the issue of invasive species, the Cabinet Member for Environment confirmed that consideration had been given to this by the Task Force.
By a unanimous vote
It was RESOLVED:-
1.1 That the Biodiversity Action Plan, as created by the Biodiversity Task Force, be adopted.
1.2 That the Biodiversity Task Force continue to meet to monitor the Action Plan and consider new ideas for increasing biodiversity.
Reason for Decision: This Council recognises the increasing pace with which natural habitat is being lost and that it too has now become a biodiversity emergency. This decision will enable the Council to include ‘biodiversity net gain’ as a strategic priority.
Supporting documents: