Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Director Net Zero Exeter & City Management.

Agreed:

RESOLVED that the stages required to develop the Northbrook Wild Arboretum in partnership with Devon Wildlife Trust be approved in principle.

RECOMMENDED that Council approve the allocation of £288,583 in total towards the project made up of £222,615 from a mixture of the Community Infrastructure Levy funding or Section 106 if available, and contributions of £65,968 from partners.

Reason for Decision: As set out in the report.

The Executive received the report which provided the detail for commencing the development of the wild arboretum project and the funding required. A report had been previously presented to the Executive in October 2021, which highlighted the details of the 2021 consultation and the 96% support for the wild arboretum. The report now set out the next steps required in delivering the green space.

Particular reference was made to the work that had been undertaken with the Devon Wildlife Trust, the Parks and Engineering teams and with Devon County Council for green transport aspects to progress the project. Discussions were also underway with the Environment Agency for additional contributions.

Councillor D. Moore, as an opposition group leader, welcomed the report.

Councillor Jobson, as an opposition group leader, spoke on this item and welcomed the report. She enquired about CIL allocation funding and whether the 85% allocation would be focussed on infrastructure. The Leader confirmed that the 85% allocation was correct.

The Director Net Zero Exeter & City Management in response to a Members’ question, explained that the longer term use of the building on site was being discussed with the Devon Wildlife Trust and an option for transferring the property as a lease agreement was still to be decided. The Car Park would likely stay under the Council’s control, and maintenance of the green space would be undertaken by the Devon Wildlife Trust.

During the discussion, the following points were made:-

·        This was a good example of the positivity for asset transfers, which would ensure the safety and future enhancements for the green space. The report embraced biodiversity and offsetting carbon emissions by encouraging active travel and the planting of trees; and

·        The project would also encourage physical activity and promote active travel in the city.

The Chair welcomed the report and welcomed the consultation with the community and the positive response received.

RESOLVED that the stages required to develop the Northbrook Wild Arboretum in partnership with Devon Wildlife Trust be approved in principle.

RECOMMENDED that Council approve the allocation of £288,583 in total towards the project made up of £222,615 from a mixture of the Community Infrastructure Levy funding or Section 106 if available, and contributions of £65,968 from partners.