Issue - decisions

Cabinet considered a report on the new requirement to provide biodiversity net gain as part of the planning system.  The Environment Act 2021 had introduced a new mandatory requirement for biodiversity net gain in the planning system, to ensure that all new developments increased biodiversity by a minimum of 10%, with this requirement coming into effect from late 2023.

The report highlighted that the proposal to run a Buckinghamshire Council biodiversity net gain scheme was currently paused pending publication of government guidance.  Subject to the guidance this scheme would be brought back for consideration later in the year.  A draft Biodiversity Net Gain Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) explaining how biodiversity net gain could be achieved in Buckinghamshire was attached to the Cabinet report for consideration and adoption.

In addition, the Council has also been developing a Biodiversity Net Gain scheme that aimed to provide a one-stop shop for developers, enabling them to discharge their offsite biodiversity net gain obligations through financial contributions.  Whilst work would continue to develop the proposed scheme, it would be brought back to Cabinet once the Government guidance had been published.  The attached SPD could be adopted at this time without the above scheme being in place.

RESOLVED –

That the Biodiversity Net Gain Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) be ADOPTED.