Issue - meetings

Report of Cabinet Member for Planning and Building Control, Councillor Mike Collins

RESOLVED THAT: 

1.     the draft Nature Recovery Supplementary Planning Document (Appendix 4) is approved for consultation for a period of 4 weeks under Regulation 12 of the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning)(England) Regulations 2012 (as amended). 

2.     authority is delegated to the Director of Community and Economic Development, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Planning and Building Control to make any necessary minor amendments, corrections and additions to the document prior to publication for consultation.

The Leader read an introduction to the report on behalf of the Cabinet Member for Planning and Building Control: 

It is my pleasure to present this consultation document.  If cabinet agree to its publication tonight, it will signal the beginning of a four-week public consultation exercise, which will go live as soon as possible.

This is a new draft nature recovery supplementary planning document (SPD) and it will give the public the opportunity to play a part in this vitally important process. The guidance sets out how future development in Cheltenham can support and improve the natural environment.

Cheltenham already has a wide range of green spaces, including nature reserves, parks, and important wildlife areas. This SPD offers guidance on how new buildings and developments can help connect and improve local green spaces, wildlife habitats, and the overall health of nature in Cheltenham. 

Residents, developers, and community groups can now share their views on the draft SPD, which launches on 7 November 2025 and runs until 7 December.  The consultation will be available on the council’s website. 

This draft guidance sets out how we can build in a way that supports wildlife, protects green spaces, and help nature thrive across Cheltenham. We’re keen to hear from residents, developers and community groups so we can shape a final document that works for everyone and makes a real difference.  Hopefully, it really will be a win-win opportunity for us all.

This work supports the policies in our development plan and links to the emerging Gloucestershire local nature recovery strategy which identifies the best places to restore nature and the most important actions to take. 

Hopefully, cabinet colleagues will be able to support both the recommendations contained in this consultation document.

I am sure that you have all been able to read it in full.  However, I just wanted to say that it is fully in line with our corporate plan priorities, and aligns with the following actions:

·         We will drive increased biodiversity in our borough and fully utilise our planning system to encourage developers to enhance our natural environment, mitigating the impact of new buildings.

·         We will fulfil our biodiversity net gain (BNG) obligations within the planning system.

In addition, I think that it is important to draw out these important points which are contained within the document.

Nature recovery refers to the process of restoring and revitalising ecosystems that have been degraded or lost due to human activity, climate change, or other factors. It involves regenerating natural habitats, creating new ones as well as protecting them (and the species they support) from degradation. The goal is to create healthier, more resilient environments that can support a wider variety of species on a large scale. Nature recovery is important for a number of reasons, as set out in the SPD, including:

1.               Biodiversity Conservation

2.               Climate Change Mitigation

3.               Ecosystem Services

4.               Resilience to Natural Disasters

5.               Human Well-Being

6.               Sustainability

As I said at the beginning, I hope that you will  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6