Decision Maker: Executive
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Is Key decision?: Yes
Is subject to call in?: Yes
To seek approval of the draft Bracknell Forest Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) 2024-2029 as the basis for a 4-week public consultation.
RESOLVED that the draft Bracknell Forest Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) 2024-2029 and supporting summary document as the basis for a 4-week public Consultation is approved.
1. The BAP forms part of the statutory duty for all public authorities to consider what they can do to conserve and enhance biodiversity.
2. The recent Bracknell Forest Council declaration of a climate and biodiversity
emergency reinforces the importance of action for biodiversity across the borough. The motion includes an item to “Revise the Biodiversity Action Plan to include audits of the state of nature in the borough and to highlight local biodiversity threats due to climate change” which has been taken into consideration in the revised plan.
3. The Bracknell Forest BAP demonstrates the commitment of the Council and local people to protecting and enhancing nature in the borough.
4. The draft plan for 2024-2029 builds upon the previous Biodiversity Action Plans. It is a is a partnership plan, having been co-produced with input from key stakeholders, including the Bracknell Forest Nature Partnership.
5. A full public consultation will allow the council to gather feedback more widely from anyone who lives in, works in or visits the borough. It will also allow those who have already contributed ideas to see how these have been incorporated into the draft plan and provide further feedback. Feedback will be used to refine and develop the final plan and a detailed action plan. The updated plan will then go to Executive with a recommendation to approve it.
1. The alternative option is to rely entirely on external polices and strategies to help guide and shape the future support for our local biodiversity. This approach would not focus specifically on the needs of Bracknell Forest’s wildlife and residents. It may reduce the opportunities to achieve the council’s objectives.
2. There is also the alternative option to not go for wider public consultation on the draft BAP. To use the current copy of the plan, which has been created by wildlife specialists and key stakeholders, as the basis with which to present to Executive, with the recommendation it is approved. This would be a missed opportunity to engage communities in delivering wildlife action. There are many local residents and community groups with an interest in nature conservation. It would mean they would miss out on giving their views, and the plan would be published without their important input.
3. Wide-scale consultations are usually run for 6-weeks. The proposed 4-week length of the BAP consultation takes into account consultation that has already been undertaken with stakeholders. Consulting for too long will unnecessarily delay progression of the BAP.
None
Reason Key: Affects more than 1 ward;
Wards Affected: (All Wards);
Financial Impact: There will be no direct financial implications as the BAP is a strategy for guiding work for biodiversity across the borough.
Declarations: None
Subject to Urgent Proceedings: No
Making Representations: In writing to the Executive Director: Place, Planning & Regeneration.
Other reasons / organisations consulted
The draft plan has been co-produced with key
internal and external stakeholders. The Biodiversity Officer has
liaised with key stakeholders via workshops and one-to-one
discussions to gather feedback on the previous BAP and ideas for
the BAP 2024-2029. These have been used to develop the draft
document.
The proposal is for the draft document to go to full 4-week public
consultation to gather wider views and use this feedback to develop
the plan further.
The consultation will be mainly based online. The draft BAP and a
summary document will be available with a series of questions to
gather feedback on the proposed objectives and targets and
regarding the supporting information. Hard copies will be made
available at key locations such as Time Square and libraries.
Communications are being planned to promote the consultation. This
will include online communications, such as social media posts, and
opportunities will be taken to promote the consultation to users of
parks and greenspaces via notice boards. The Bracknell Forest
Nature Partnership and other partners involved with the development
of the draft will be sent the consultation directly via email. The
Ranger team and Councillors will be provided with an information
pack so that they can promote the consultation and answer questions
while out on sites or working in the community.
Consultees
Consultees involved with the co-production of
the draft:
Workshop attendees: Crowthorne Village Action Group, Binfield
Environment Group, Binfield Parish Council, Warfield Environment
Group, Easthampstead Living Churchyard Group, Bracknell Forest
Natural History Society, Priestwood Environment Group, Crowthorne
Parish Council, Bracknell Forest Council - Ranger Service,
Bracknell Conservation Volunteers, Wildlife in Ascot, Sandhurst
Town Council, Involve, Moor Green Lakes, Crown Estate, Thames21
(Maidenhead to Teddington Catchment Partnership host), TVERC,
Bracknell Forest Council – Climate Change Officer, Natural
England
Feedback received outside of workshop from: Warfield Environment
Group, Environment Agency, Hedge and Woodland Conservationists,
Natural England (Thames Basin Heath Partnership)
Internal feedback on initial draft received from: Rangers, Climate
Change Officers, Planning Policy, Tree Officers
Proposed public consultation:
The 4-week consultation on the draft plan is aimed at the general
public.
Contact: Rosie Lear, Biodiversity Officer Email: rosie.lear@bracknell-forest.gov.uk.
Report author: Rosie Lear
Publication date: 23/04/2024
Date of decision: 23/04/2024
Decided at meeting: 23/04/2024 - Executive
Effective from: 02/05/2024
Accompanying Documents: