Decision details

That £34,530 of S106 contributions (as summarised in ANNEX 1) be allocated to fund works to enhance biodiversity value at Bracknell Forest Council sites.

Provision of and access to public open space is recognised as being a key contributor to well-being and quality of life.  This includes being central to:

·         Character of the built environment

·         Social functions; especially health, recreation and play, social inclusion, and community development

·         Environmental quality

·         Economic vitality

·         Sustainability

The proposed biodiversity project supports specific Strategic Themes identified in The Council Plan 2015 – 2019 including providing ‘A clean, green, growing and sustainable place.’

Key measures of success are identified for each strategic theme and the proposed enhancement of the quality and capacity of a parks and open spaces site will act directly to ensure:

·         Resident satisfaction levels with parks and open spaces is maintained

·         Development plans provide sufficient open space

Not carrying out a project in these areas could lead to funds being returned to the developers.

Not enhancing biodiversity in the borough could lead to a failure to meet the following:

• Maintaining resident satisfaction levels with parks and open spaces and providing sufficient open space as part of development plans. (Key measures of success in the Council Plan).
• Monitoring and enhancing quality standards at sites, protecting and enhancing biodiversity and contributing to climate change mitigation. (Key objectives / core priorities in the Bracknell Forest Parks and Open Spaces Strategy).
• Delivering key priorities in the Bracknell Forest BAP.
• ‘Protect and enhance the quantity and quality of natural resources including water, air quality and the natural environment.’ (Objective 5.  Of the Local Transport Plan 3).

Not funding large scale improvements to the Borough’s biodiversity through s106 funding would transfer a financial pressure to the boroughs own capital and revenue funding streams.

The s106 funding will help mitigate the impact of development and will be used in the ‘carrying out or assisting in the carrying out of nature/landscaping conservation projects’. All sites identified for biodiversity enhancements are within distance constraints as set out in the s106 agreement for the developments.

None.