Issue - meetings

AGREED      that Cabinet:

a)            subject to the outcome of Job Evaluation, approve the addition of a Biodiversity and Ecology Officer to the Planning Development Business Unit be funded by a corresponding increase in revenue expectations from the BNG income stream identified at paragraphs 1.14-1.16 below; and

b)            subject to the outcome of Job Evaluation, approve the addition of a Biodiversity and Ecology Graduate be funded by BNG income, noting that such a post will only being recruited to if agreed by the Director of Planning and Growth, in consultation with the Director - Resources and Business Manager - Planning Development, based on a review of BNG income being sufficient to cover this additional post on an ongoing basis.

The Director for Planning and Growth was in attendance to present a report which sought to update Members in relation to the implementation of Biodiversity Net Gain and Resource Impacts and create a post for a Biodiversity and Ecology Officer to support the Lead Officer. The report detailed the key work associated with Biodiversity Net Gain. Members welcomed the report, particularly the proposals relating to a graduate post.

AGREED (unanimously) That Cabinet:

a)        Subject to the outcome of Job Evaluation, approve that the addition of a Biodiversity and Ecology Officer to the Planning Development Business Unit be funded by a corresponding increase in revenue expectations from the BNG income stream identified at paragraphs 1.14-1.16 below; and

b)       Subject to the outcome of Job Evaluation, approve that the addition of a Biodiversity and Ecology Graduate be funded by BNG income, noting that such a post will only being recruited to if agreed by the Director of Planning and Growth, in consultation with the Director for Resources and Business Manager, Planning Development, based on a review of BNG income being sufficient to cover this additional post on an ongoing basis.

Reasons for Decision:

To ensure that the Planning Development Business Unit can continue to lead in adapting to the ongoing and emerging implications from Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG).

Options considered:

No action could be taken, which would lead to an undeliverable workload with respect to ecological and biodiversity matters. A pause on recruitment pending receipt of additional income has also been considered and discounted on the basis that preparatory work needs to be undertaken in advance of receipt of future receipts.