Issue - meetings

Cabinet:

Endorsed the Biodiversity Net Gain proposal as an interim approach of guiding principles for siting biodiversity net gain for developments within South Cambridgeshire, with delegated powers given to the Joint Planning Director of Planning and Economic Development to make minor changes to the technical note.

This decision was first published on Monday 11 July and so the deadline for call-in is 5pm on Monday 18 July.

Cabinet:

Endorsed the Biodiversity Net Gain proposal as an interim approach of guiding principles for siting biodiversity net gain for developments within South Cambridgeshire, with delegated powers given to the Joint Planning Director of Planning and Economic Development to make minor changes to the technical note.

Cabinet received the Biodiversity Net Gain proposal. Councillor Dr. Tumi Hawkins, Lead Cabinet Member for Planning, introduced the report, and commented on the interim approach.

Councillor Anna Bradnam thanked Officers for bringing the policy to Cabinet, and was pleased with the use of maps within the report but asked about the land between Landbeach and Waterbeach. The Natural Environment Team Leader said that these were indicative maps, based on the current evidence from the published Local Plan. Councillor Anna Bradnam responded on the increase in visitors to Milton Country Park during the Covid-19 Pandemic. The Joint Director of the Shared Planning Service highlighted the difference between the country park and the biodiversity net gain land highlighted within the report.

Councillor Brian Milnes, Lead Cabinet Member for the Environment, commented on the interim report coming to the Climate and Environment Advisory Committee and Cabinet and allowing Members to review the interim approach.

Councillor Judith Rippeth, the Deputy Leader, appreciated the scope of the report, ensuring the Council was forward planning ahead of future developments.

Councillor Bridget Smith, Leader of the Council, commented on the emerging Nature Recovery Strategy. The Natural Environment Team Leader clarified this interim strategy was a toolkit for Officers to achieve Biodiversity Net Gain across all developments.

Councillor Bridget Smith, closed the item, thanked Officers for their work, and Cabinet:

Endorsed the Biodiversity Net Gain proposal as an interim approach of guiding principles for siting biodiversity net gain for developments within South Cambridgeshire, with delegated powers given to the Joint Planning Director of Planning and Economic Development to make minor changes to the technical note.