Decision details

Cabinet to recommend adoption of PCC Biodiversity Strategy to Council. This follows a period of public consultation to update the 2010 Biodiversity Strategy.

Cabinet considered the report and RESOLVED to recommend the Biodiversity Strategy to Full Council for approval.

In exercising its functions, the Council had a duty under section 40 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 to have regard, so far as was consistent with the proper exercise of those functions, to the purpose of conserving biodiversity. It was important therefore that the Council set out a clear strategy to ensure biodiversity was considered in all Council strategies, plans, programmes and practices. The Council’s constitution determined that the Strategy was a ‘major policy item’, and therefore could only be adopted by Full Council.

Do not update the 2010 Biodiversity Strategy. This would represent a missed opportunity to refresh the now outdated list of actions, present information in a clearer format, and reflect current Government advice. As such, this was not the preferred option.

None.

Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (Section 40)

The Biodiversity Duty for Public Authorities, Defra Guidance, 2014

Peterborough City Council Approach to Biodiversity submitted to the Environment Capital Scrutiny Committee in 2010

Biodiversity 2020: A strategy for England’s wildlife and ecosystem services, Defra 2011