Issue - meetings

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Members were presented with a report outlining the Bromley Biodiversity Plan (BBP) for consideration and pre-decision scrutiny before the plan went to the Executive for ratification.

Members noted that the report recommended that the new Bromley Biodiversity Plan (BBP) should be adopted by the Council. The BBP aimed to prevent the decline of species and habitats and to promote their conservation through active management of land, and the promotion of biodiversity gains through the planning system. The BBP provided guidance to developers, planners and land managers on how biodiversity should be protected and enhanced in the borough.

Dr Judith John attended the meeting to answer any questions with respect to the Plan. The purpose of the report was outlined by Ben Johnson. The onus on the Council to produce the report was in response to the requirements of the National Environmental Rural Communities Act. This placed a duty on Councils to protect Bio-Diversity. The Chairman commented that recently there had been much focus nationally on bio-diversity.

The Committee noted the importance of gardens in this regard, especially when taken cumulatively, and that it may be prudent to reflect this in the Local Plan when it was reviewed.

Members were impressed with the detail and quality of the report and agreed with the recommendations.

RESOLVED that the Bromley Biodiversity plan be noted, and that the Committee recommends the adoption of the Plan by the Executive.