Issue - meetings

Cabinet:

a)    Considered the main issues raised in the public consultation, and responses to the representations received and the proposed changes to the SPD as set out in the Statement of Consultation (Appendix A of this report);

b)    Approved the amended Greater Cambridge Biodiversity SPD (appendix B of this report) and to delegate authority to make any necessary editing changes to the Supplementary Planning Document prior to publication to the Joint Director of Planning and Economic Development, in consultation with the Lead Member for Planning Policy and Delivery.

This decision was first published on Monday 7 February and so the deadline for call-in is Monday 14 February at 5 pm.

Cabinet:

a)    Considered the main issues raised in the public consultation, and responses to the representations received and the proposed changes to the SPD as set out in the Statement of Consultation (Appendix A of this report);

b)    Approved the amended Greater Cambridge Biodiversity SPD (appendix B of this report) and to delegate authority to make any necessary editing changes to the Supplementary Planning Document prior to publication to the Joint Director of Planning and Economic Development, in consultation with the Lead Member for Planning Policy and Delivery.

Cabinet received the Biodiversity Supplementary Planning Document. Councillor Dr. Tumi Hawkins, Lead Cabinet Member for Planning Policy and Delivery, introduced the report and highlighted the ongoing protection of wildlife and biodiversity across the district.

Councillor Heather Williams commented that biodiversity was becoming more prevalent within housing developments and expected this would be implemented through all new housing developments across the district.

Councillor Sue Ellington said she was pleased with the report but expressed disappointment that the majority of newly planted saplings alongside the A14 were dead. The Joint Director of Planning and Economic responded that while the Council did not have the authority to replace and maintain the trees, he would engage with Highways England.

Councillor Deborah Roberts was critical of the report, and the ongoing environmental impacts of recent and potential building projects in South Cambridgeshire. Councillor Dr. Tumi Hawkins responded that the identified housing projects were part of the Local Plan.

Councillor Brian Milnes, Lead Cabinet Member for Environmental Services and Licensing said he was pleased with the working practices noted within the report and hoped it would improve the diversity of wildlife.

Councillor Bridget Smith, Leader of the Council, closed the discussion, and Cabinet:

a)    Considered the main issues raised in the public consultation, and responses to the representations received and the proposed changes to the SPD as set out in the Statement of Consultation (Appendix 1 of this report);

b)    Approved the amended Greater Cambridge Biodiversity SPD (appendix 2 of this report) and to delegate authority to make any necessary editing changes to the Supplementary Planning Document prior to publication to the Joint Director of Planning and Economic Development, in consultation with the Lead Member for Planning Policy and Delivery.