Issue - meetings

The new Greener Places Plan for Bath and North East Somerset sets a framework for action and investment to ensure we make the most of our green spaces, both on Council land and across the wider district. It promotes understanding of what Green Infrastructure is, the multiple benefits it provides and how to deliver it where it is needed most, for people and nature.

Cllr Sarah Warren, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Bath and North East Somerset, introduced the report, moved the amended officer recommendation and made the following points:

•   The Greener Places Plan aligns with Natural England’s green infrastructure standards.

•   It updates the 2015 Green Space Strategy.

•   The Plan aims for 30% of land in Bath and North East Somerset to be positively managed for nature by 2030.

•   It seeks to embed nature-conscious practices across all council operations.

•   This moves beyond isolated green spaces to interconnected, larger ecosystems and emphasises nature’s role as humanity’s life support system.

•   This will enhance quality of life, mental health, and urban cooling and supports active lifestyles and healthier environments.

•   The Council works with landscape-scale partnerships (e.g., Bathscape, Chew Valley Reconnected) and engages with the West of England Nature Partnership.

•   The Council also collaborates with developers and social housing providers.

•   The Local Plan consultation could yield 200 hectares of accessible green space alongside 27,000 new homes.

•   The Greener Places Plan will have statutory influence on development standards as it will be linked to the Local Plan.

•   It will provide an evidence base to prioritise funding, especially in deprived areas which have less green space.

·  Cllr Warren thanked partners and officers for their contributions to biodiversity and policy development.

Cllr Matt McCabe seconded the motion and made the following points:

·  The document sets out the kind of environments we should be building in terms of the natural world and biodiversity.  It is an important piece of evidence for the emerging Local Plan.

·  When we look at biodiversity net gain the document can give some evidence in relation to place shaping within the area.

RESOLVED (unanimously):

(1)  To approve the Greener Places Plan for Bath and North East Somerset and the accompanying five-year Investment and Delivery Plan 2025-2030.

(2)  To delegate authority to the Executive Director for Sustainable Communities, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Sustainable Bath and North East Somerset, to make textual changes to the Greener Places Plan prior to its publication.