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Agenda item

Ecological Emergency Update

Purpose

To update the Committee on progress in implementing the Ecological Emergency Action Plan.

 

Recommendations

That the Overview and Scrutiny Committee resolve to:

·         Note the progress made in implementing the Ecological Emergency Action Plan.

Minutes:

The purpose of the report was to update the Committee on progress in implementing the Ecological Emergency Action Plan.

The report was introduced by Councillor Juliet Layton, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning.  The report was introduced and the following points made:

·         The key priorities of the Ecological Emergency Action Plan included strengthening planning policy (e.g. biodiversity net gain and green infrastructure); partnership working with environmental bodies and landowners; improved management of council-owned land; and targeted work at key ecological sites such as the Cotswold Water Park.

·         Community engagement was included, supporting parishes and neighbourhood groups to integrate biodiversity into local plans and initiatives.

·         Progress included strengthening the ecological evidence base, delivering priority actions in planning and land management, and securing a strategic contract for the Cotswold Beechwood Special Area of Conservation.

 

In questioning and discussion, the following points were noted:

·         The Ecological Emergency Declaration had influenced funding and prioritisation, including the allocation of 10 per cent of CIL to climate and ecological projects. A new assessment matrix was being developed to support future funding decisions

·         Actions reflected ongoing policy development and partnership discussions.   Tangible outcomes were also being delivered, including Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG) improvements at Sherborne Estate to reduce recreational pressure on sensitive ecological sites; the establishment of Strategic Access Management and Monitoring officer posts to support and educate visitors, and ongoing tree planting and land management improvements on council-owned land.

·         There was a need for clearer measurement of the ‘on-the-ground’ impact.  Further details on “other initiatives” would be clarified at a later date as this was not immediately available.

·         Biodiversity support for communities was delivered through officer involvement in meetings and partnerships. Engagement was largely reactive due to resource constraints, with external partners often helping to connect communities with council support.

·         Details of the use of weedkillers by CDC was requested and would be communicated to the Committee.

·         The National Trust was selected as a partner for SANG delivery because it could provide the long-term land management security, required by Natural England. There had been limited external interest in bringing forward alternative sites, and that constraints on other organisations can limit their ability to take on such projects, meaning bids came from a small number of eligible partners.

·         The Council’s contribution to the 30x30 nature recovery target was being delivered in partnership with wider authorities and stakeholders, particularly through the Gloucestershire Local Nature Recovery Strategy. This strategy was intended to guide landowners and farmers in supporting ecological improvement across the county.

·         Concerns were raised regarding potential PFAS contamination and land safety in the Moreton-in-Marsh area, particularly in relation to existing and future development. It was indicated that while some testing had been undertaken, further clarification or investigation might be required to provide assurance to residents about land safety.

·         The Local Nature Recovery Strategy was intended to guide and shape planning decisions rather than be used as a reason to refuse applications. The Strategy helped inform site allocation and identify appropriate areas for development or habitat protection. It was also used within biodiversity net gain requirements to encourage developers to deliver the right habitats in the right locations.

·         Limited information was available at the meeting regarding funding and actions related to the “car-free Cotswolds” initiative, and that further details would be obtained and provided at a later date.

Specific locations for infill tree planting were not available at the meeting, and that this information would be made available at a later date.

Supporting documents:

 

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