Issue - meetings

A report from the Director of Environment and Director of Regeneration, Leisure and Culture is attached. This seeks approval of the Enfield Biodiversity Action Plan. (Key decision – reference number 3176)

(Report No.79)

(8.45 – 8.50 pm)

Councillor Del Goddard (Cabinet Member for Business and Regeneration) introduced the report of the Director of Regeneration, Leisure and Culture and Director of Environment (No.79) seeking approval of the Enfield Biodiversity Action Plan.

NOTED

1.                  Most other boroughs, particularly the larger greener boroughs already have a biodiversity action plan. 

2.                  In order to implement it properly it will be necessary to create a biodiversity officer post and to provide the funding to support it.   

3.                  The new officer will provide the specialist expertise needed internally to deliver the actions in the plan.

4.                  Officers were thanked for finding the money for the project. 

Alternative Options Considered: Not to implement the Biodiversity Action Plan. This would result in fewer internal and external resources for biodiversity conservation, reduced biodiversity outcomes and it would be difficult for the Council to demonstrate its commitment to the NERC Act and the biodiversity duty and protected species legislation. Other options for delivery would be explored over the course of the trial period of two years. These include sharing resources with the Lee Valley Regional Park, neighbouring boroughs and securing external grant funding to reduce the overall cost to the council.

DECISION: The Cabinet agreed

1.         to approve the funding and creation of the Biodiversity Officer post initially for two years;

2.         that subject to decision 1 above, to approve the adoption of the Biodiversity Action Plan.

Reason: To ensure a holistic and co-ordinated approach to biodiversity conservation which can then the support the service areas.

(Key decision – reference number 3176)