Decision details

That Cabinet:

1.         Agreed that the Green Infrastructure & Biodiversity SPD be adopted as part of the council’s policy framework, subject to Full Council adopting a new Peterborough Local Plan at its meeting of 24 July 2019. If Full Council did resolve to adopt a new Peterborough Local Plan, then this SPD would come into effect at the same time as that resolution.

2.         Delegated to officers the ability to make any minor presentational or typographical changes to the SPD, prior to its publication post 24 July 2019, provided any such changes did not materially affect the content of the SPD.

There is no statutory duty to prepare SPDs, though the preparation and adoption of an SPD is clearly defined in legislation (should a council choose to prepare one).

Accordingly, there is no strict requirement for Cabinet to approve a Green Infrastructure and Biodiversity SPD. However, without this “one stop shop” document, developers could be confused or misinformed in relation to appropriate consideration and implementation of biodiversity and green infrastructure requirements in Peterborough. This could have an impact on development coming forward as additional time would need to be spent on applications where biodiversity and GI issues occur.

In addition, this SPD provides a focus for identifying and driving forward delivery of priority GI projects in partnership with a wide range of environmental organisations and community groups within Peterborough.

Alternative options considered were:

Option 1 - do not update the 2006 Green Grid Strategy and various biodiversity guidance notes available on the Council’s website. This would represent a missed opportunity to simplify the process for those requiring advice in relation to both biodiversity and green infrastructure, as such this is not the preferred option.

None.

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

Making Space for Nature: a Review of England’s Wildlife Sites and Ecological Network, Defra 2010

The Natural Choice: Securing the Value of Nature, Defra 2011