Decision details

RESOLVED: that the Executive;

1)    Approved the implementation of an ecological enhancement scheme at Ashenbury Park which will generate Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) units, including the required capital expenditure of £201,190 and the establishment equalisation reserve to manage the ongoing maintenance costs.

2)    Delegated authority to the Director of Place and Growth (in consultation with the Director of Resources and Assets and the Executive Member for Environment) to approve the implementation of further ecological enhancement schemes which will generate Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) units, including the required capital expenditure up to £300,000 in 2023/24.

3)    Noted the transfer of management responsibilities at Ashenbury Park from the Council’s Grounds Maintenance contractor to the Council’s Countryside Service in order to facilitate the ongoing ecological enhancement scheme.

4)    The Executive also endorsed the recommendations proposed by the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee as follows, that;

i)      officers ensure that there was clear communication with residents and community groups about the aims of the Biodiversity Net Gain pilot project in Ashenbury Park and the expected outcomes;

ii)     design work on the pilot project proceeded, but no physical works to take place on site until the public consultation has been completed, evaluated and reported - consultation to include an option with no changes to Ashenbury Park;

iii)   officers explored potential mitigations relating to the financial risks and outcomes relating to the project;

iv)   noted Scrutiny Members’ concerns about the potential negative

impact on communities if Biodiversity Net Gain projects are not linked to the areas which are taking new housing development;

v)    receive a map showing the proposed pilot project site within

Ashenbury Park (included with the agenda papers);

vi)   officers provide a briefing for all Members on the introduction of Biodiversity Net Gain into the planning process and the specific pilot Biodiversity Net Gain project in Ashenbury Park.

REASON FOR DECISION

To secure Executive approval for the initial expenditure required to implement the ecological enhancement scheme at Ashenbury Park in Woodley and to inform the Executive of the underlying commercial approach to the sale of the Biodiversity Net Gain units generated by the project.