Issue - items at meetings - Adoption of Local Biodiversity Action Plan

Report of the Strategic Director, Place (copy attached).

1.                   That the Committee approves the adoption of the draft LBAP for Brighton and Hove as council policy.

50.1        The Committee considered a report of the Strategic Director, Place that presented the results of the recently completed consultation on a draft Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP) for Brighton & Hove and sought its adoption as council policy. The report was supplemented with a presentation by the Ecologist officer.

50.2        Councillor Deane asked if improvements in residential gardens could have an impact upon biodiversity.

50.3        The Ecologist officer clarified that research by Sheffield University had demonstrated that this could be of significant benefit.

50.4        Councillor Janio praised the project and noted the important role of the physics of the natural environment in enhancing mental well-being.

50.5        Councillor Wakefield praised the presentation for focussing on the positive improvement of biodiversity on children. She had extensive experience of this improvement, particularly with regard to behavioural issues.

50.6        Councillor Mitchell thanked the Ecologist officer for his presentation but also the ‘Friends Of’ groups who put some much work in across the city.

50.7        RESOLVED- That the Committee approves the adoption of the draft LBAP for Brighton and Hove as council policy.