Issue - meetings

To receive and consider the report of the Director of Planning and Development.

To establish a budget and to purchase the land off Burgh Lane to encompass it into Yarrow Valley Country Park for the purpose of tree planting and habitat protection at a cost of £250,000 funded through borrowing.

The Deputy Leader, Councillor Peter Wilson, presented the report of the Director of Planning and Development which sought approval to purchase land off Burgh Lane adjacent to Yarrow Valley Country Park for the purposes of biodiversity net gain and to increase the land mass of the Country Park. 

No additional investment is needed to alter the land at present as it already functions as part of the Country Park.  The existing ranger team and volunteers will continue to incorporate the land into the maintenance plans for the park.  The land includes ancient woodland designated as Biological Heritage Site, steep valleys, rolling grassland, pond and a pasture field. It is a mature landscape presenting a mixed mosaic of habitats that are all advised to be protected.

The Leader of the Opposition, Councillor Martin Boardman, noted his support for the project but expressed concern that borrowing was proposed to fund it as other options to achieve carbon neutrality were available.  Councillor Wilson noted the Council has a Climate Change strategy which sets out the actions proposed in this area. 

The Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Councillor Debra Platt, queried if an adjoining parcel of land might be included within the project in the future.  It was noted that this would be considered as an option moving forwards.

The Deputy Leader, Councillor Peter Wilson proposed and the Executive Leader, Councillor Alistair Bradley seconded the (unanimous) Decision

To establish a budget and to purchase the land off Burgh Lane to encompass it into Yarrow Valley Country Park for the purpose of tree planting and habitat protection at a cost of £250,000 funded through borrowing.