Issue - meetings

That:

·         Full Council note the content of the report, updated policy and Strengthened Biodiversity Duty Report

·         Approve the updated Three Rivers Biodiversity Policy

·         Approve the reporting cycle of Biodiversity Duty to be every 5 years and for the Council Biodiversity Policy to be reviewed on the same timeline.

Councillor Tankard introduced the report and moved the recommendations in the report. The recommendations were seconded by Councillor Lloyd.

In introducing the item, it was noted that the report strengthened the Council’s biodiversity approach and included monitoring of biodiversity net gain delivery. It was reported that the majority of biodiversity net gain projects within the district had been delivered on site.

During debate, reference was made to biodiversity net gain calculations and the potential to secure further biodiversity improvements, particularly in relation to waterways and speculative development. It was suggested that additional opportunities should be explored.

In response, it was stated that biodiversity net gain operated in accordance with the statutory metric applicable to individual development sites and that gains must relate to the characteristics of those sites.

The motion was agreed by general assent.

That the Policy & Resources Committee recommend Full Council;

·       Note the content of the report, updated policy and Strengthened Biodiversity Duty Report

·       Approve the updated Three Rivers Biodiversity Policy

·       Approve the reporting cycle of Biodiversity Duty to be every 5 years and for the Council Biodiversity Policy to be reviewed on the same timeline.

The Committee considered the updated Biodiversity Policy and reporting framework. Members supported the biodiversity net gain principles, emphasised the importance of securing meaningful local environmental benefits and raised caution against approaches that prioritised lowest cost over community value. Officers confirmed statutory compliance and developer responsibilities under biodiversity legislation.

The motion was put to the vote and declared CARRIED by the Chair, the voting being by General Assent.

RESOLVED:

That:

• To note the report.
• To approve the updated Biodiversity Policy.
• To adopt a five-year reporting cycle.