Issue - meetings

This report intends to brief Members on the approach to prepare for Biodiversity Net Gain  and the implementation of Local Nature Recovery Strategies.  It also sets recommendations for enhanced actions to further proactively address Biodiversity Net Gain and seeks approval for relevant governance arrangements for Local Nature Recovery Strategies.

Resolved:

                         i.         Noted the delays to the implementation of the BNG regime by Government;

                        ii.         Agreed to delegate to The Executive Members for the Environment and Climate Change Emergency the necessary Member decisions for the development of the LNRS and that officers convey those decisions for consideration of NYC as statutory Authority;

                      iii.         confirmed that whilst not statutory Authority they wish to reserve the agreement to adopt the LNRS as a key decision;

                      iv.         Agreed the one off £30k expenditure from the Government grant detailed in the financial implications to commission a 2-phase approach to enhanced BNG opportunities for York and along with sums negotiated for the delivery of the LNRS expenditure is delegated to the Director of Transport Highways and the Environment in consultation with the Executive Members for Environment and Climate Change Emergency.

Reason:     To improve biodiversity net gain in York.

The Director of Place outlined the request to delegate to the Executive Members for the Environment and Climate Change Emergency the development of the Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) ahead of the creation of the Combined Authority.

The Executive Member for Environment and Climate Emergency welcomed the opportunity to improve biodiversity due to the damage to the natural environment throughout the UK. Members agreed that the Council required a robust approach that protects the natural environment while allowing development.

Resolved:

                         i.         Noted the delays to the implementation of the BNG regime by Government;

                        ii.         Agreed to delegate to The Executive Members for the Environment and Climate Change Emergency the necessary Member decisions for the development of the LNRS and that officers convey those decisions for consideration of NYC as statutory Authority;

                      iii.         confirmed that whilst not statutory Authority they wish to reserve the agreement to adopt the LNRS as a key decision;

                      iv.         Agreed the one off £30k expenditure from the Government grant detailed in the financial implications to commission a 2-phase approach to enhanced BNG opportunities for York and along with sums negotiated for the delivery of the LNRS expenditure is delegated to the Director of Transport Highways and the Environment in consultation with the Executive Members for Environment and Climate Change Emergency.

Reason:     To improve biodiversity net gain in York.