Issue - decisions

Decision

That Cabinet:

1.    Note the biodiversity duty for all public authorities and requirements to report on actions and progress.

2.    Approve the adoption of the South Kesteven Biodiversity Action Plan.

3.    Delegate to the Director of Housing and Projects, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Environment and Waste, the approval of minor amendments to the South Kesteven Biodiversity Action Plan as new Government guidance emerges.

Reasons for the decision

The Environment Act 2021 has strengthened the Biodiversity Duty of local authorities and as a result, it has become the legal obligation of South Kesteven District Council as a both a public authority and local planning authority to develop and implement a Biodiversity Action Plan.

Other options considered and rejected

It was a statutory requirement under the Environment Act 2021 that all local authorities (excluding parish councils) and local planning authorities must publish a biodiversity report. Therefore, the option to ‘do nothing’ has been discounted.