Agenda item

To consider the Biodiversity Net Gain and Local Nature Recovery Strategy for Sandwell.

(1)     That approval be given to:

a)      the adoption of the Black Country Local Nature Recovery Map and Strategy (Appendix 1) for planning purposes, including strategic delivery of biodiversity net gain in Sandwell;

b)      the establishment of six areas of Council-owned land to act as biodiversity net gain habitat banks, as set out in the draft Sandwell Local Plan and in time for the start of the mandatory requirement for biodiversity net gain on development sites (Appendix 2);

c)      Authorise the Leader of the Council and the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and WMCA, in consultation with the Director of Regeneration and Growth, to:

i.       authorise completion of Conservation Covenants between the Council and an appropriate responsible body for  the delivery of these sites as detailed in this report; and

ii.       secure the addition of these sites to the national Biodiversity Gain Site Register;

(2)     That future authority for any additional working on the drawing-up and delivery of biodiversity net gain habitat banks and associated projects be delegated to the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and WMCA and the Director responsible for Regeneration and Growth, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Leisure and Tourism and the Director responsible for Leisure and Tourism.

Approval was sought to the Biodiversity Net Gain and Local Nature Recovery Strategy for Sandwell. Responsible authorities, chosen by the Government to prepare Local Nature Recovery Strategies, were required to work with stakeholders to map the most valuable existing areas for nature, agree nature recovery priorities and to agree what actions should be taken to recover nature and where.

It was a requirement of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act 2006 that all public bodies had regard to biodiversity conservation when carrying out their duties and functions. The Nature Recovery Network (NRN) was a major commitment in the Government’s 25-Year Environment Plan (2018) designed to help wildlife recover by providing more habitat, in better condition and across larger areas that are more closely connected, as set out in Making Space for Nature (2010).

The Environment Act 2021 introduced mandatory Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRS) to support spatial planning for nature and reverse the national decline in biodiversity. LNRS would be prepared for 48 areas that would effectively cover the whole of England and which were intended to help deliver the NRN.

In response to a question from the Chair of the Economy, Skills, Transport and Environment Scrutiny Board, the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and WMCA confirmed that the £26,807 made available to the council by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs was a ring- fenced grant. It was unclear if further funding would be made available.

In addition, the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and WMCA outlined that the Council would appoint an Ecology Officer who would be responsible for managing the Biodiversity Net Gain process, this position was to be funded by the Planning Policy and Development Management services.

The Chair of the Budget and Corporate Scrutiny Management Board endorsed the report and associated strategy and highlighted that it would be of particular benefit to residents living within the Hateley Health ward.

Reason for Decision

The Council was required to approve adoption of the Sandwell element of the Black Country Local Nature Recovery Map and Strategy for planning purposes.

The requirements would be introduced in 2024 and local authorities were required to prepare in to ensure certain types of developments would meet the minimum of 10% biodiversity net gain.

Alternative Options Considered

The Council could have decided to make no preparations for the introduction of statutory biodiversity net gain. This would have resulted in missed opportunities to direct biodiversity net gain to locations of strategic value for nature recovery which would benefit residents. This would also result in an inability to progress the Sandwell Local Plan, which was needed to support the regeneration of the Borough.

Resolved:-

(1)          that approval be given to:-

a)            the adoption of the Black Country Local Nature Recovery Map and Strategy (Appendix 1) for planning purposes, including strategic delivery of biodiversity net gain in Sandwell;

b)            the establishment of six areas of Council-owned land to act as biodiversity net gain habitat banks, as set out in the draft Sandwell Local Plan and in time for the start of the mandatory requirement for biodiversity net gain on development sites (Appendix 2);

c)             authorise the Leader of the Council and the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and WMCA, in consultation with the Director of Regeneration and Growth, to:

i.               authorise completion of Conservation Covenants between the Council and an appropriate responsible body for the delivery of these sites as detailed in this report; and

ii.             secure the addition of these sites to the national Biodiversity Gain Site Register;

(2)          that future authority for any additional working on the drawing-up and delivery of biodiversity net gain habitat banks and associated projects be delegated to the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and WMCA and the Director responsible for Regeneration and Growth, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Leisure and Tourism and the Director responsible for Leisure and Tourism.