Issue - meetings

The report set out options for monitoring and charging biodiversity net gain

The report of the Director of Planning, Housing and Environmental Health set out options for monitoring and enforcing relevant agreements in respect of biodiversity net gain (BNG) legislation.  The proposed monitoring fees were to offset costs incurred by the local authority.

Members were reminded that the legislation introduced from 12 February 2024 required developers to offset impacts of development with 10% BNG.  This applied to major developments with immediate effect.  Minor and small site applications would be affected from the legislative changes from 2 April 2024.

Careful consideration was given to the main issues outlined in 1.2 of the report.  Three options were presented for discussion.  Due regard was given to the legal, financial and value for money considerations and Members recognised that monitoring and charging supported climate change mitigation.  Effective monitoring over a 30-year period was essential to ensure the establishment and flourishing of habitats and realising the co-benefits of BNG for green infrastructure, carbon sequestration and ecosystems.  

RESOLVED:  That

(1)             (to ensure a proportionate approach based on development size in line with the schemes that had been considered in the past 5 years) the Bio-diversity Net Gain monitoring fees set out in paragraph 1.2.6 (Option 3) be adopted by Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council;

(2)             the income generated via Bio-diversity Net Gain monitoring costs be held in a separately identifiable cost centre in the Borough Council’s financial budgets; and

(3)             consideration be given on how to best utilise the income generated to offset staffing and other costs over the relevant monitoring period.