URL: https://www.fenland.gov.uk/localgov/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1070

Decision Maker: Planning Policy Manager

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: To extend our existing contract for ecology support services for a further 12 months. G2V Group is a specialist recruitment agency that successfully sourced a Principal Ecologist for the Council earlier in 2025, following an unsuccessful recruitment exercise via Comensura. Since January 2025, the appointed consultant has provided high-quality ecological advice, supporting a wide range of statutory and strategic planning functions. The role includes providing specialist input on Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) requirements, reviewing planning applications for potential ecological impacts, and supporting the Council’s engagement with Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs), including the proposed Fens Reservoir. This work is essential to the Council’s ability to meet its statutory ecological duties, including: Compliance with the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017, through the identification and assessment of impacts on protected species and designated sites. Delivery of Biodiversity Net Gain, a legal requirement from November 2023 under the Environment Act 2021. Fulfilment of duties under the Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act 2006, particularly the requirement to conserve biodiversity. Undertaking Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRAs) and Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIAs) as part of the planning process. Supporting Appropriate Assessment processes where development proposals may affect internationally designated sites. The temporary ecology post was established to maintain capacity while the Council explored the potential for a permanent role, potentially funded in part through planning fees associated with NSIPs. However, ongoing uncertainty arising from local government restructuring, together with delays in finalising Planning Performance Agreements (PPAs), has meant that it has not been possible to fully assess the feasibility or funding model for a permanent post at this time. The consultant has developed effective working relationships with internal services and external partners, attended technical briefings, and reviewed specialist evidence that informs the Council’s responses to major infrastructure proposals. Continuity of this specialist input is critical to ensure that the Council can respond to evolving proposals with appropriate pace, technical robustness, and confidence. Over the coming year, the Council will be required to respond to a number of statutory and non-statutory Development Consent Order (DCO) consultations. In parallel, the Council is actively participating in ecology-focused technical working groups relating to habitat management, site master planning, and mitigation design. Ongoing ecological input is also required to support development management casework and emerging planning policy documents, including the Local Plan. Without continued access to specialist ecological expertise, there is a risk that the Council will be unable to engage effectively in these processes. This could lead to adverse ecological outcomes, reduced environmental protection, and diminished quality and resilience of new development. While there is a recognised need for longer-term continuity, particularly for multi-year projects such as the Fens Reservoir, any longer-term arrangement would be subject to a competitive procurement process. This decision therefore relates to a medium-term contract extension to ensure service continuity while long-term delivery options are assessed. Option 1: No Further Specialist Ecology Support Under this option, the Council would not extend the current contract and would operate without dedicated specialist ecological support. This option is not considered appropriate. The Council has ongoing statutory responsibilities in relation to biodiversity, protected species, and designated sites, alongside a growing workload linked to development management, plan-making, Biodiversity Net Gain implementation, and Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects. Without specialist ecology input, there is a significant risk that the Council would be unable to respond adequately or within required timescales to planning applications, statutory consultations, and Development Consent Order processes. This could result in non-compliance with legislative duties, increased legal risk, delays to decision-making, and potential adverse environmental outcomes. The absence of specialist advice would also place unsustainable pressure on existing staff who do not hold the required technical expertise. Option 2: Procure Ecology Support from an Alternative Provider This option would involve sourcing ecology support from a different consultancy or provider through a new procurement exercise. This option is not considered appropriate at this time. The current provider has an established understanding of the Council’s policy context, local environmental constraints, and major infrastructure proposals, including ongoing NSIP-related work. Transitioning to a new provider would result in a loss of continuity, require additional time for familiarisation, and risk delays during a period of high consultation activity and time-sensitive statutory responses. In addition, a procurement exercise would introduce further delay and resource demands at a time when the requirement is for immediate and consistent specialist support. Given that the proposed contract extension is short-term and intended to maintain continuity while medium-term service delivery options are assessed, a change of provider would not offer a proportionate or efficient solution.

Date of Decision: December 16, 2025