Decision details

The Director of Economic Development and Planning submitted a report seeking authority to release a Section 106 contribution to the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), to facilitate improvements at the Alston Wetland nature reserve.

Members were reminded that:

·      When planning permission was granted for the erection of 34 dwellings and associated works at Spout Farm Preston Road, Longridge, the associated Section 106 Agreement included an offsite contribution of £17,000 for a predator fence around the Alston Wetland nature reserve.

·      Ten dwellings have now been occupied at the development, as a result the trigger has been reached and the developer has been invoiced for the £17,000.

The Report noted that:

·      Alston Wetland is a small (7.5 hectare) site which provides a refuge for a broad range of wildlife from surrounding intensively managed farmland and encroaching development. The entire site is designated as a Biological Heritage Site for its bird and botanical interest.

·      The predator fence is primarily designed to exclude foxes from the Wetland as research has identified these as the primary cause of breeding failure of ground nesting waders.

RESOLVED THAT COMMITTEE:

Authorised payment of £17,000 to the RSPB for the construction of a predator fence, following receipt of the contribution and on completion of the works.