URL: https://democratic.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=4036

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Council Strategy and Climate Change

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose: To approve release of £14,000 S106 development funding to improve the biodiversity value of Jennett’s Hill open space.

Content: RESOLVED that £14,000 of s106 funding (summarised in Annex 1), which is secured towards enhancing open space of public value (including biodiversity), is allocated to fund continued grassland enhancements at Jennett’s Hill.               Site in need of further grassland enhancements   As part of a proposed BNG “habitat bank”, we made enhancements to the amenity grasslands at Jennett’s Hill (see Annex 3).   These included: ·       the seeding of several areas of the grassland to create “other neutral grassland” meadows ·       the planting of a mixed-species native hedgerow along the southern boundary.   This work was largely completed in one phase during the late winter and early spring of 2024.   This work is not completed in isolation and is undertaken as part of a 30-year commitment to management and monitoring of the site. The intent is to reach a specific set of conditions for the grassland and hedgerow habitats.   P&C undertook a year 1 monitoring program (see Annex 4) after the completion of the initial enhancements. This identified potential supplementary actions that could improve the success of the longer-term project. Several other potential improvements were identified at this time.               Mitigate impact of development and provide offsite biodiversity units   The proposed biodiversity improvements are important for mitigating the impact of local developments. They will help to supply offsite biodiversity units for biodiversity net gain.   BNG is a way to contribute to the recovery of nature while developing land. It is making sure the habitat for wildlife is in a measurably better state than it was before development.   For planning applications submitted before 12 February 2024 the council requires non-mandatory BNG from developments. Major planning applications are expected to achieve 10 per cent biodiversity net gain.    In early 2024 BNG became mandatory for planning applications in England. This was when Schedule 14 of the Environment Act added Schedule 7A to the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. The requirement for BNG is also contained within the Bracknell Forest Local Plan (2024), under the biodiversity policy (LP53).   This site forms one of several proposed “habitat banks”. These are places that use habitat enhancement to generate “units”, which can be sold to off-set biodiversity loss from development. It is important for the council to have adequate offsite biodiversity units available to developers for mandatory BNG. This prevents vital biodiversity value being lost/exported from the borough to similar “habitat banks” elsewhere in the UK who have units to sell.   Until the council starts to receive more financial contributions for biodiversity units from developments, we’re limited about what BNG funding is available for us to draw from. Pump priming this s106 funding is the only viable option to deliver this work.   On a local level, BNG will help to improve the quality of life for people who live or work in Bracknell Forest by creating a greener environment, rich in wildlife. It will also help combat climate change (see 7.6).                Health and wellbeing    See section 7.7 for an overview of health and wellbeing benefits.               Supported in polices and plans             The proposed improvements re supported by plans and policies at a national and local level. These include: ·       National Planning, Policy Framework (NPPF) ·       The Council Plan 2023-2027   ·       Biodiversity Action Plan (2024-2029)   ·       Bracknell Forest Local Plan (2024) and supporting guidance ·       BFC Health and Wellbeing Strategy   See Annex 2 for a full overview.   Revenue funding wouldn’t cover the cost of these works at this scale. Using s106 capital funding is the only viable option to deliver these proposed large-scale improvements to biodiversity.      Not utilising funding to deliver these improvements:   ·       could result in local developments not being able to meet the statutory minimum 10 per cent BNG requirement.   ·       might lead to the funds being returned to the developers.   ·       would be a missed opportunity to significantly improve the biodiversity value of these natural habitats.  ·       could result in the loss of delivery of mandatory biodiversity net gain habitat units being provided.    This work would take place in autumn 2025. Delaying the work would impact the long-term success of the improvements that were delivered in 2024/25 financial year. The grassland improvements and new plantings need constant management and monitoring to ensure that they are working towards their targeted condition. If these improvements are massively delayed, then the supplementary seeding required cannot be completed this autumn (2025), which is the optimal time.   None.

Date of Decision: September 26, 2025