Issue - meetings

To consider feedback on the First Consultation (Issues and Options) Theme 6: Biodiversity.

The Local Plans and New Communities Manager presented a report on the comments received on the sixth consultation theme.

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The sixth theme was on the topic of “Biodiversity” and was discussed by the Community Stakeholder Forum on 10th February 2021. Following the Forum, the theme was open for public consultation and in the first four weeks, 20 responses had been received.

Members discussed the findings of the ongoing consultation and the following

was noted:

·         Members felt that there was a need to create a vision of how the district fits around nature, rather than managing nature like an economic entity.

·         There is an existing tension between biodiversity and agriculture, and the new Local Plan needed to find a balance between necessary commercial farming, biodiversity and food production. Members highlighted the need for ongoing engagement with external authorities, such as the National Farmers Union, to achieve this.

·         Members requested that Officers consider how connectivity and wildlife corridors can be ensured when allocating land.

·         Officers confirmed that they had been engaging with external stakeholders, such as the NFU, for their views on the new Environmental Land Management schemes so they can reflect this within the new Local Plan.