Decision details

(i)  To adopt the Green Infrastructure Strategy and Biodiversity Strategy.

The GI Strategy and Biodiversity Strategy address the Council’s existing commitments in the Green City Plan 2030 and the Corporate Plan 2022/30.  The strategies also set out how SCC will to meet its enhanced biodiversity duty and statutory obligations under the Environment Act 2021, including delivery of BNG, support HCC’s work in the development and delivery of Hampshire’s LNRS and how the SCC will conserve and enhance biodiversity. Adoption of the GI and Biodiversity Strategies will encourage all stakeholders including business, conservation groups and public sector organisations to work together to deliver a shared outcome, making Southampton a cleaner, greener, healthier and a more sustainable environment for people and wildlife.

In the absence of a GI and Biodiversity Strategy or, where there is a delay in their introduction, the council will be unable to demonstrate how it intends to deliver its legal obligations under the strengthened Biodiversity Duty or the goals set out in the Corporate Plan or the Green City Plan.  Penalties for failing to deliver statutory duties are currently unclear, however, there is a risk of reputational damage in addition to incurring higher future costs in adapting to the impacts of climate change and coping with loss of GI and continued loss and degradation of habitats and wildlife.