URL: https://democratic.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=4354

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Planning, Transport and Countryside

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: To approve the release of £36,000 of Section 106 development funding to create a “habitat bank” at The Parks, Harmanswater. This Biodiversity Net Gain scheme will deliver new wetland and meadow habitats, while enhancing existing habitats across the site to generate habitat units. The project will also improve the local natural environment for residents.

Content: RESOLVED that £36,000 of S106 funding (summarised in Annex 1), which is to be secured towards enhancing open space of public value (OSPV), is allocated to fund biodiversity enhancements at The Parks.   4.1       Opportunity to provide strong local gains for biodiversity with benefits for the community                         The Parks is a unique opportunity to make strong suburban gains for biodiversity in Bracknell owing to its centrality within the borough and relative isolation in the landscape. It represents a crucial refuge for urban wildlife, attracting insects, garden birds, small mammals such as hedgehogs and amphibians such as frogs and newts. This wildlife might otherwise lack viable habitat in the area.   The BNG project focuses primarily on the re-seeding of grassland areas which have less amenity value, or are cut less frequently already. This limits disruption of existing site use, whilst creating visually attractive and ecologically productive environments. Pollination is under pressure from changing management practices and habitat degradation and this project represents an opportunity to make local gains for pollinators.   Excavation of additional drainage swales will address a regular community concern about path conditions, holding water away from the paths whilst improving access opportunities and creating vegetational diversity to act as a feature of wildlife interest.   Finally, additional planting of fruit trees to form a central “avenue” through the spine of the site will provide food and shelter for birds and insects. Visitors will benefit from the sight of spring blossom and the shelter the trees give in hot summers. The trees will also help to improve water retention away from paths.   4.2       Mitigate impact of development and providing off-site 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.This is achieved by applying a biodiversity metric, which accounts for the distinctiveness and condition of the measured habitats.   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.?    4.3       Supporting residents’ health and wellbeing               Refer to section 7.8 for an overview of health and wellbeing benefits.   4.4       Supported in policies and plans               The proposed enhancements are in-line with key local and national policies and plans, with further information provided in Annex 2.   ·       National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) ·       The Council Plan 2023-2027?? ·       Biodiversity Action Plan (2024-2029)? ·       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:   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.?   Delaying this request for funding would impact the scope of the work that can be delivered in the 2026/27 financial year. The grassland improvements can only be carried out in the late summer / early autumn, and excavations would be desirable before the end of October to limit damage to the ground. This leaves a limited time window when the work can be competed.?The works are due to be undertaken by contractors, with quotes obtained.   No.

Date of Decision: August 18, 2026