Agenda item

To receive and consider the report of the Biodiversity & Green Spaces Officer.

The Committee received the report along with a verbal update from the Biodiversity & Green Spaces Officer (B&GSO).

Members were advised that a name had been proposed for the new community orchard at the Country Park, with “Railway Orchard” put forward for consideration. The Committee agreed to adopt this name and requested that its existence be promoted more widely within the community to encourage awareness and use.

The B&GSO also provided an update on the Council’s Green Flag Award application, which was nearing submission. It was noted that the application had been strengthened in response to feedback received previously, with a more detailed and comprehensive submission being prepared. Members were informed that a fee of £500 would be required for the resubmission.

Members discussed the importance of recognising the Council’s achievements in biodiversity and environmental management. It was suggested that any awards received by the Town Council in respect of its biodiversity objectives should be shared with the Planning & Development Committee, to support and strengthen the Council’s responses to larger-scale applications within the parish.

Recommended:

1. That the report be noted;
2. That the name “Railway Orchard” be approved for the new community orchard at the Country Park;
3. That the orchard be actively promoted to the local community;
4. That the update regarding the Green Flag Award application, including the associated resubmission fee, be noted; and
5. That any biodiversity-related awards received by the Council be shared with the Planning & Development Committee.