Agenda item

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

The Committee received and considered the report of the Biodiversity & Green Spaces Officer along with a verbal update to explain how the Council may approach a reapplication for Green Flag status.

Members heard that Officers had recognised that the application required additional documentation to be completed prior to the submission and that the application should be submitted at a time that would see the onsite visit being carried out in March or April when the biodiversity would be at its best.

In response to Member’s questions, the B&GSO confirmed that the Green Flag was an excellent status to hold as it could lead to more support, by way of grant funding, in order to reach the Councils leisure ambitions.

The Committee was unanimous in favour of supporting the reapplication providing that it did not create unnecessary time pressures on Officers.

Members also received details of the updated Management Plan for the Lake & Country Park as well as the In Bloom submission documentation. No questions arose and the Committee thanked the Council team for their work in providing the updates.

Recommended:

1.      That, the report and verbal update be noted and,

2.      That, Officers resubmit an application for Green Flag status and,

3.      That, the updated management plan be approved.