Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Strategic Director for Place.

Agreed:

RESOLVED that:

(1)   the revised Strategic Access Management and Monitoring (SAMM) contributions be adopted for all qualifying residential planning applications received on or after 1 April 2026; and

(2)   delegated authority be granted to the Head of City Development, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder, to apply annual index?linking and publish updated contribution rates.

Reason for Decision: As set out in the report.

The Executive received the report which sought approval to adopt a revised non?infrastructure habitat mitigation contributions (Strategic Access Management and Monitoring – SAMM) for residential development within the designated habitat mitigation zone. Particular reference was made to:

·        the report presented measures to mitigate the impact of new housing developments in Exeter on sensitive wildlife habitats, with a focus on protecting the Exe Estuary and Pebblebed Heaths from increased recreational pressure;

·        there were a range of measures, described as “non-infrastructure”, which included warden services and biodiversity monitoring;

·        these actions formed part of a wider toolkit to preserve and manage habitats;

·        partnership working with neighbouring District Councils, Devon County Council, and Devon Wildlife Trust was important in helping to preserve habitats;

·        funding was collected via Section 106 agreements and was pooled across authorities through a shared governance structure; and

·        there were many benefits for a coordinated, cross-boundary approach to habitat protection and highlighted the urgency to adopt the updated rates, as all other districts had done so, with implementation required by 1 April 2026.

During the discussion, Executive Members raised the following points and

Questions:

·        the importance of allowing public access to green spaces for wellbeing while ensuring environmental protection was highlighted;

·        index-linked contributions to maintain funding stability without frequent revisions was supported;

·        there was a need for collaboration with other Councils for planning, maintenance, and protection of natural environments and in safeguarding those habitats for current and future generations;

·        funding administration was undertaken through the Habitat Regulations Executive Committee, represented by Exeter, East Devon, and Teignbridge Councils;

·        the current model had been recognised by Natural England as good practice; and

·        the Southeast Devon Wildlife Joint Habitat Site Mitigation Strategy 2024 was highlighted which detailed protections for the Exe Estuary, Dawlish Warren, and East Devon Pebblebed Heath.

The Leader moved the recommendations, which were seconded by Councillor

Wright, voted upon, and CARRIED unanimously

RESOLVED that:

(1)   the revised Strategic Access Management and Monitoring (SAMM) contributions be adopted for all qualifying residential planning applications received on or after 1 April 2026; and

(2)   delegated authority be granted to the Head of City Development, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder, to apply annual index?linking and publish updated contribution rates.