Issue - meetings

To receive a report setting out the design, delivery and overall process that officers will use to deliver, launch and implement the Habitat Banking Programme in Phase 1 and Phase 2.

The Cabinet has

(a)  noted the update on the Bio4All programme and the partnership work between the Council and CPCA for Phase 1, and how this can be taken forward in an approach for Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG);

(b)  acknowledged the environmental, social and economic benefits of Habitat Banking across Huntingdonshire, alignment with existing policies/strategies, and the role of BNG and Habitat Banking in relation to development delivery within the District;

(c)  approved the principle of and approach outlined to phased establishment of Habitat Banks on suitable Council owned land to generate Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) units;

(d)  noted the inclusion of a £220,000 capital investment bid and associated income impact within the 2026-2027 MTFS to deliver Phase 1 & 2;

(e)  approved the approach, governance, process, and timeline for full implementation across the district by April 2026 and embedding BNG delivery and management as part of business-as-usual activity; and

(f)  ensured appropriate delegations are in place to enable efficient and effective implementation, delivery of actions, and monitoring pertaining to BNG units as part of business as usual (BAU) and maximise the potential social, environmental and economic benefits of BNG on Council owned land.