Agenda item

To provide both an update on local authority biodiversity duties as set out by the Environment Act 2021 as well as an overview of the Council’s remit to improve biodiversity.

 

Councillor Baker, Cabinet Member for Environment and Waste introduced the report, informing the Committee that England was widely considered one of the most nature depleted countries in the world.

 

A recently published analysis by the State of Nature Partnership stated that since 1970, UK species have declined, on average, by 19% and that nearly one in six species were threatened with extinction in Great Britain.  The impacts of land use and agricultural management and of climate change have been some of the principal drivers of this long-term decline in the health of our natural environment. 

 

Lincolnshire had been ranked as the second-lowest county in the country for access to nature.

 

The Environment Act 2021 set out that as a public authority, the Council must:

 

1. Consider what we can do to conserve and enhance biodiversity.

 

2. Agree policies and specific objectives based on our consideration.

 

3. Act to deliver policies and achieve our objectives.

 

Under the Environment Act public authorities had to consider and report on what action the Council intended to take for biodiversity across the authority, no later than 1 January 2024.  Following this initial consideration, the Council was required to agree policies and objectives as soon as possible, take action, and prepare the first formal Biodiversity Report no later than 1 January 2026.  This process must then be repeated every five years.

 

There were 7 areas responsible for biodiversity-related issues:

 

1) Planning Policy

2) Development Management

3) Grounds Maintenance

4) Parks and Open Spaces

5) Property and Assets

6) Projects, Policy and Performance

7) Economic Development

 

The Environment Act 2021 also required the preparation and publication of Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRSs). Lincolnshire County Council are responsible for delivering the Greater Lincolnshire LNRS which was expected to be delivered in late 2024.  At the same time, the Council was planning to deliver a district-wide Trees and Woodland Strategy which would set out the current level of tree canopy cover in the district, highlight main areas of opportunity to increase tree and woodland and set out what role the Council can play in facilitating that.  There was not a dedicated Tree Officer at the Council nor does the Council have the specific arboricultural expertise needed to produce a full Strategy.  Officers had therefore commissioned a consultancy company, Treeconomics, to assist with the development of a full Strategy to be presented to the Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee in March 2024.

 

A working group had begun to meet regularly to work on the Council’s policies and objectives around biodiversity.

 

The following points were raised during discussion:

 

·       It was considered that there would be financial implications during the process.  A Member felt the Council required a ‘Tree Officer’ and ecologist, for example – particularly to enable understanding within the planning process.

 

·       Council Housing Estates needed to be included in the process, rather than being under the sole control of the Housing Team.

 

·       Particular consideration needed to be given to the appropriateness of cutting back of hedgerows and trees so as to encourage nature and growth.  Engaging with residents was essential so they could be involved.

 

·       Was there any scope for expansion of peatland?

 

·       Maintaining trees once planted was essential to their survival.

 

·       Why were DEFRA not listed within the consultees?

 

·       Consultation could be wider to include farmers, schools, and IDVERD who work in partnership with the RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) for example.

 

·       What location was being considered for a possible nature centre?

 

·       Bat boxes were welcomed.  Including bird boxes too was also suggested as this policy had been successful at Rushcliffe Borough Council.

 

·       What was the expected timeline in completing the biodiversity work?

 

·       Safe cycle routes into the countryside would be welcomed so access wasn’t solely by car.  It was considered that an invitation to the Assistant Director of Planning to a future meeting was an opportunity for Members to discuss this.  It was acknowledged that roadways were under the remit of Lincolnshire County Council.

 

·       It was important to ensure all areas of the district were included.

 

The Sustainability and Climate Change Officer confirmed that DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) was the Body that mandated the Environment Act 2021.  It was agreed that this would be referenced within the report.

 

The Corporate Policy Officer informed Members that a suggestion of a nature centre was made within the biodiversity working group meeting by an officer within the Parks and Leisure Team and thoughts on this idea were welcomed by Members.  The ‘Mapping Access to Natural England’ report published by the Wildlife and Countryside Link in May 2023 confirmed that Lincolnshire was ranked as the second-lowest county in the country for access to nature.

 

ACTION:

 

The ‘Mapping Access to Natural England’ report published by the Wildlife and Countryside Link in May 2023 to be circulated to Members.

 

Councillor Baker, Cabinet Member for Environment and Waste confirmed that a report was to be published in January 2024 and regular updates heard by the Environment Overview & Scrutiny Committee.  The Cabinet Member welcomed any suggestions of possible application for funding.  As Lincolnshire County Council maintained the road verges within South Kesteven, communication was essential.

 

A Member proposed that an update on progress of the biodiversity work be heard at a future meeting of Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee in three months.

 

Councillor Baker, Cabinet Member for Environment and Waste confirmed that a commitment had been made to preparing regular updates for the Committee.

 

The Deputy Leader of the Council confirmed that there was work currently underway with Cycling Groups to improve the cycling network within Grantham, particularly Route 15 of the National Cycle Network.  There was also a safe cycle route from Grantham to Belton House and a traffic free route to Muston.

 

The Head of Corporate Projects, Policy and Performance informed Members that there were currently no resources to employ a Tree Officer or Ecologist currently.  Planning Officers had received recent training on biodiversity.  As part of the Tree Strategy, consideration would be given to the best locations for planting trees and their maintenance.

 

It was proposed, seconded and AGREED:

 

 That the Environment Overview & Scrutiny Committee:

 

1) Noted the Council’s new biodiversity duties as set out by the Environment Act 2021.

 

2) Requested that the Cabinet Members for Environment and Waste review the Council’s plans to deliver biodiversity improvements.

 

3) Added an update on the Council’s Biodiversity Action Plan to the Committee work plan.

 

4) Recommended that the financial implications of funding a Tree Officer and Ecology Officer were investigated.