Issue - meetings

To submit a report by the Head of Regulation and Economic Development.

It was resolved to accept the report and to endorse the recommendations therein.

The report of the Head of Regulation and Economic Development incorporating the Annual Report on the Biodiversity Plan was presented for the Executive’s consideration. The report set out the progress made by the Council in meeting the objectives and/or actions in the Biodiversity Plan during the last 12 months in accordance with the reporting arrangements agreed by the Executive in adopting the Plan.

Councillor Nicola Roberts, Portfolio Member for Planning, Public Protection and Climate Change presented the report and highlighted that every service within the Council has a role in contributing towards the duties specified with the Environment (Wales) Act 2016. The Annual Report shows how the Council is discharging its responsibilities to maintain and enhance biodiversity and is illustrated by examples of local projects and case studies related to biodiversity and habitat enhancement some of which have been Council-only schemes whilst others have involved collaboration with other agencies and partners. The report proposes recommendations for future actions in relation to strengthening capacity and understanding of biodiversity issues, establishing a formal reporting structure within each service, establishing a cross service group to lead on biodiversity matters, training, audit and review of policy documentation and collaboration.

The Executive’s Members acknowledged the work achieved over the course of the past twelve months despite some challenges in terms of staff resources and they also recognised the valuable contribution made by volunteers and partner organisations in helping deliver biodiversity benefits.

It was resolved to accept the report and to endorse the recommendations therein.