Meeting documents

Members are reminded of the need to consider whether they have a disclosable pecuniary, prejudicial or other (personal) interest to declare in any items on this agenda.  Details of any interest must be declared at the start of the meeting or as soon as any interest becomes apparent during the meeting.  The attached form must also be completed. Any advice required should ideally be sought before the day of the meeting.

There were no declarations if interest.

Public questions of which due notice has been given and which are relevant to the business of the committee.

There were no public questions.

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on the 22^nd December, 2021, attached.

RESOLVED: that the minutes of the meeting held on 22^nd December, 2021 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To consider the report of the Interim Director (PT) (Neighbourhoods and Climate Change) (Reference 22/49), attached.

Due to technical difficulties the position of chair was temporarily assumed by the vice chair, who after introducing the item handed over to the Council’s Ecologist and Biodiversity Officer, Tim Burkinshaw.

Mr Burkinshaw presented a summary of the report to Committee. He began by highlighting three themes concerning bio-diversity: What are we doing currently to meet our obligations; what are the new challenges we face; what have we begun to do this year?

My Burkinshaw expanded on the first theme. He explained that his role as the Council’s Ecologist and Bio-diversity Officer was to provide expert input to other services and projects, to ensure the Council meets the bio-diversity duty mainly addressed through development control via planning applications, and was involved with various external partnerships. He observed that Scarborough Borough Council (SBC) was in a strong position compared to other North Yorkshire districts as it had an in house ecologist that could act pro-actively, whereas others worked reactively.

Regarding the second theme, the primary challenge was the introduction of the Environment Act in November 2021, to become law in November 2023. At which point the Council would need to address bio-diversity net-gain and nature recovery. The exact mechanisms to achieve this were yet to be clarified by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA). However it was likely to involve having a strong handle on the network of wildlife sites.

On the third theme, Mr Burkinshaw stated that work would begin this spring/Summer on a local wildlife sites review to understand what the Council had, what condition it was in, and what was needed to enhance or restore habitats. There were 72 such sites across the Borough with many un-surveyed. The work would influence how the nature recovery strategy would function in the new North Yorkshire Council.

The Officer touched on the intersection between the Ecological Emergency to the Climate Emergency. He referred to the cooperation with the Council’s Climate Manager in discussing nature based solutions that would enhance wildlife habitat and climate change obligations.

The Chair resumed his position, and proceeded by putting the first question to Mr Burkinshaw. He asked what attention could be provided retroactively to the Cinder Track Project given the damage caused to wildlife by its construction. Mr Burkinshaw stated that there was now a full time maintenance ranger and apprentice for the Cinder Track who now worked on restoring and maintaining the habitats and infrastructure of the route. Further phases of restoration work will be guided by comprehensive ecology surveys and method statements.

Councillor Smith was concerned with the banks of Burniston Rd and the rubbish that accumulated there from litter and fly tipping. He thought that the area should be maintained rather than left as a wild flower zone, especially due to its proximity to the Open Air Theatre. He also questioned as to why some areas were included in the 72 sites identified and other not.

Mr Burkinshaw clarified that local wildlife sites were referred to as SINC (site  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

To consider the Committee‘s Work Programme (Reference 22/50), along with a copy of the most recent version of the Cabinet Forward Plan.

The Assistant Democratic Services Officer presented the Committee’s current work programme (reference 22/50) for Members’ consideration, along with the most recent copy of the Cabinet Forward Plan.

Committee made no additions to the Work Programme.

Councillor Cockerill thanked The Principal Democratic Services Officer for working to reschedule the Filey Flood Alleviation Scheme for April’s Places and Futures Committee.

RESOLVED:

-       that the work programme, as presented, be approved.