1. Approved the creation of a habitat bank on Tyting Farm Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG).
2. Authorised the Joint Executive Head of Environmental Services, in consultation with the Lead Councillor for Environment and relevant ward councillors, to deliver, manage, and operate habitat banks on appropriate council owned land.
Reason(s):
1. The proposed pilot habitat bank at Tyting Farm SANG would deliver tangible and significant environmental improvements that would not be delivered without the proposal. The project would be cost neutral or provide an income for the Council so can be considered a ‘win-win’ option.
2. The provision of habitat banks on Council land will generally provide strong environmental benefits, with wider direct and indirect social and economic benefits, and direct benefits for the Council.
3. Habitat banks would emerge regardless of Council action but by taking a leading position now the Council could ensure that the public good from BNG was maximised and that other planning benefits were not jeopardised by unreasonably high costs levied by private habitat banks seeking maximum profits.
4. The proposed pilot habitat bank at Tyting Farm SANG was considered a low-risk option as it would be cost neutral at worst, result in no opportunity cost, entail limited and manageable risks, and would enhance the existing SANG function.
Other options considered and rejected by the Executive:
To do nothing
The government envisaged that a market in biodiversity credits would develop, and the Council was under no obligation to create habitat banks. It was therefore possible to leave the provision of habitat banks to other landowners.
However, private providers of credits, at least in the early years, may be able to corner the market and demand high sums which in turn could impact on both development viability and/or the provision of other planning benefits.
In the event that no local habitat banks come forward, developers may seek credits provided by other boroughs or the proposed national habitat banks of last resort, resulting in development in Guildford funding environmental improvements elsewhere in the country.
Details of any conflict of interest declared by the Leader or lead councillors and any dispensation granted:
None.