Biodiversity Policy 2024

The Council Office, Diamond Jubilee Lodge, Wood View Road, Hellesdon, Norwich, NR6 5QB
Tel: 01603 301751 www.hellesdon-pc.gov.uk email: contact@hellesdon-pc.gov.uk

BIODIVERSITY POLICY

BACKGROUND

In accordance with the duty imposed on town and parish councils by Section 40 of the
Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006, updated by Section 102 of the
Environment Act 2021, Hellesdon Parish Council, (hereinafter referred to as the Council)
which has any functions exercisable in relation to England must from time to time consider
what action the authority can properly take, consistently with the proper exercise of its
functions, to further the general biodiversity objective.

This duty also means that town and parish councils can spend funds in conserving
biodiversity.

DEFINITION

According to Defra (Biodiversity 2020), biodiversity is the variety of all life on Earth. It
includes all species of animals and plants – everything that is alive on our planet.

Biodiversity is important for its own sake and has its own intrinsic value. A number of
studies have shown this value also goes further. Biodiversity is the building block of our
‘ecosystems’ that in turn provide us with a wide range of goods and services that support
our economic and social wellbeing. These include essentials such as food, fresh water and
clean air, but also less obvious services such as protection from natural disasters, regulation
of our climate, and purification of our water or pollination of our crops. Biodiversity also
provides important cultural services, enriching our lives.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

The object of this policy is to work towards conserving and enhancing the biodiversity of the
Council’s area.

The Full Council and any committees of the Council will consider sustainability,
environmental impact and biodiversity when making decisions and will develop and
implement policies and strategies as required.

In particular, the Council will aim to improve the biodiversity of the area in the following
ways:

Hellesdon Parish Council Biodiversity Policy
Reviewed December 2024
Due for Review 2025/2026 M2
• consider the potential impact on biodiversity when making representation on planning
applications.
• manage its land and property using environmentally friendly practices that will promote
biodiversity.
• adopt low impact / nature positive practices in its operations.
• encourage other organisations within the parish / town to manage their areas of
responsibility with biodiversity in mind.
• encourage residents and local organisation activities to enhance and promote biodiversity.

ACTIONS

Planning applications

The Council will:

• when commenting on planning applications, support site and building design that benefits
biodiversity through the conservation and integration of existing habitats or provision of
new habitats.
• support protection of sensitive habitats from development and will consider whether the
development would mean the loss of important habitats for wildlife in respect of all
applications.
• consider what each proposed development might make in terms of biodiversity net gain.
• include policies in support of biodiversity within the neighbourhood plan.

Land and property management

The Council will:

• consider the carrying out of a biodiversity audit of its landholdings.
• create an action plan for each of the areas of land under the council’s responsibility.
• consider the conservation and promotion of local biodiversity with regard to the
management of its open spaces. This will include adopting beneficial practices with
regarding to cutting and removal of vegetation, application of chemicals and timing of
maintenance work, paying attention to the Government’s regulations for plant protection
products.
• take special care in the specification of grounds maintenance contracts to ensure that the
work, whilst reaching acceptable standards, does not harm the natural environment.
• source sustainable materials when procuring supplies for the Council’s use
• consider biodiversity issues and the implementation of changes when managing its
buildings.

Local community

The Council will:

• raise public awareness of biodiversity issues, including through its website, social media
and newsletters.
• where practical, engage with local businesses and residents regarding biodiversity in the
community and how members of the community can assist and make a difference.
• where feasible, involve the community in biodiversity projects on its land including for
example tree planting, wildflower meadows, birdbox making.

Partners

Where practical. the Council will work in partnership with other organisations to protect,
promote and enhance biodiversity within the council area.

It will review any local nature recovery strategies, species conservation strategies, or
protected site strategies in respect of local Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) and
consider how it may become more involved in implementing the strategies’
recommendations.

MONITORING

This policy was adopted on 12th December 2023 and will be reviewed as part of the Council’s
Policy Review Schedule