URL: https://democratic.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=4034

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Council Strategy and Climate Change

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose: To approve the release of £28,700 of Section 106 development funding to improve the biodiversity value of the woodland at Nine Mile Ride.

Content: RESOLVED That £28,700 of s106 development funding (summarised in Annex 1), which is secured towards enhancing open space of public value (including biodiversity), is allocated to fund the final enhancements to woodland at Nine Mile Ride. Site in need of woodland enhancements   Nine Mile Ride has already benefitted from two phases of woodland enhancement. This is part of an on-going biodiversity net gain (BNG) woodland enhancement scheme (see Annex 4 for the site phasing plan).   Biodiversity enhancement on this site has focused on the phased removal of non-native invasive species, followed by replanting of native tree and shrub species. The first phase of enhancements was in autumn/winter of 2023/2024 and the second in the same period of 2024/2025. These phases were also funded by S106 funding from the Coopers’ Hill development.   This final phase is in a parcel of the woodland (W3) which is an extension of the main woodland boundary. P&C has reached agreement with the land managers in the council to enhance this woodland. This will be the final phase of improvements across the entire site. It will create continuity and ensure the woodland is successfully managed for non-native shrub removal.               Mitigate impact of development and provide offsite units   The proposed biodiversity improvements are important for mitigating the impact of local developments and will help to supply offsite biodiversity units for biodiversity net gain (BNG).     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” using 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 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 and flood control.                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 Borough Tree Strategy  ·       Bracknell Forest Local Plan (2024) and supporting guidance   Revenue funding wouldn’t cover the cost of these works. Using s106 capital funding is the only option to deliver these proposed large-scale improvements to biodiversity.                 Not utilising funding to deliver these improvements:   ·       species would re-establish from this final parcel and spread across the other parcels of woodland comprising the site ·       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.                The work would take place over autumn/winter 2025/2026. (See Annex 4). If it were delayed, it would impact the scope of the work that can be delivered in 2025/26 financial year. For example, the woodland improvements can only be carried out in the autumn and winter months, outside of bird nesting season. The work also needs to have drier weather conditions to proceed. This leaves a limited time window when the work can be competed.   None.

Date of Decision: September 26, 2025