Agenda and draft minutes

To propose that a Member of the Sub-Committee be elcted Chair.

The Democratic Services Assistant opened the meeting and asked for nominations for Chair of the Sub-Committee for the 2023/24 municipal year.

It was moved by Councillor Martin Burfoot, seconded by Councillor Peter Slack and

RESOLVED (unanimously)

That Council Matthew Buckler be elected as Chair of the Biodiversity Sub-Committee for the 2023/24 municipal year.

The Chair declared the motion CARRIED.

To propose that a Member of the Sub-Committee be appointed Vice-Chair.

The Chair asked the meeting for nominations for Vice-Chair for the 2023/24 municipal year.

It was moved by Councillor Matthew Buckler, seconded by Councillor Peter Slack and

RESOLVED (unanimously)

That Councillor Martin Burfoot be appointed as Vice-Chair for the 2023/24 municipal year.

The Chair declared the motion CARRIED.

To enable members of the public to ask questions, express views or present petitions, IF NOTICE HAS BEEN GIVEN, (by telephone, in writing or by email) BY NO LATER THAN 12 NOON OF THE WORKING DAY PRECEDING THE MEETING. As per Procedural Rule 14.4 at any one meeting no person may submit more than 3 questions and no more than 1 such question may be asked on behalf of one organisation.

In accordance with the procedure for public participation, Ms Sue Bliss (Local Resident) made comments and asked questions regarding the implementation of Swift Bricks in new developments.

Members are required to declare the existence and nature of any interests they may have in subsequent agenda items in accordance with the District Council’s Code of Conduct. Those interests are matters that relate to money or that which can be valued in money, affecting the Member, their partner, extended family and close friends. Interests that become apparent at a later stage in the proceedings may be declared at the time.

Item 6 Biodiversity Strategy Discussion

Councillor Matthew Buckler declared a pecuniary interest in Item 6 due to his role with Derbyshire Wildlife Trust.

Councillor Peter Slack declared a non-pecuniary interest in Item 6 due to being a member of Wilder Wirksworth.

Councillor Martin Burfoot declared a non-pecuniary interest in Item 6 due to being a Member of Matlock in Bloom.

Councillor John Bointon declared a pecuniary interest in Item 6 due to having a contract to cut verges and pathways for Doveridge Parish Council.

To discuss the Council’s approach to Biodiversity improvements within the District.

Officers sought Member support for the continuation of existing workstreams and the commission of a new document in the form of an action plan. It was noted that Appendix 1 of the Public Sector Biodiversity Duty report approved by Council on 16 March could be used to form the basis of the plan. The plan would comprise of actions that the council is currently undertaking that contribute to the biodiversity duty alongside new actions that Members would like to be taken in the future. It was noted that Members would have the opportunity to build on existing workstreams, create new ones, and set out priorities moving forwards.

Members engaged in a discussion regarding the priorities they would like to see set out in the action plan. This included the provision of swift bricks and boxes, management and signage on grass verges to encourage biodiversity and educating, advising and raising awareness of biodiversity. It was noted that this discussion would aid officers with the development of a specification that future work could be based on.

It was proposed by Councillor Matthew Buckler, seconded by Councillor Martin Burfoot and

RESOLVED (unanimously)

1.    That support be given to the existing workstreams as set out in appendix 1 of the Public Sector Biodiversity Duty Report.

2.    That Members will inform officers of the priorities for the development of the action plan.

3.    That a specification be prepared, to be considered by the next meeting of the Biodiversity Sub-Committee, which reflects Members’ priorities.

The Chair declared the motion CARRIED.