Decision details

Councillor Furey introduced the report of the Corporate Director Transformation, Housing & Resources, which sought approval of the introduction of Meadow Areas into the borough, to improve biodiversity, pollinators, and invertebrates and to meet the commitments of the Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan.

The report detailed the shortlisted open spaces that are currently subject to regular grass cutting and that will be reduced to create Meadow Areas during the grass growing season, which will benefit the natural environment and decrease greenhouse gas emissions.

The Minute of the Executive Overview & Scrutiny Committee was circulated prior to the meeting.

In reaching the decision below, Cabinet considered the report before it and the recommendations contained therein.

RESOLVED:   A.     That the areas recommended for the potential creation of Meadow Areas be endorsed as identified in Appendix 1 to the report.

B.     That a 4-week public consultation be undertaken, in relation to creating the Meadow Areas detailed in Appendix 1, within the open spaces in West Lancashire.

C.     That the Minute of the Executive Overview and Scrutiny Committee, set out in Appendix 7 of the report, be noted.

D.     That delegated authority be given to the Head of Environmental Services, in consultation with the relevant Portfolio Holders, to commence work on those proposed Meadow Areas that receive a 50%+ positive feedback following consultation, to enable the creation of Meadow Areas.

E.     That should the Council receive 50%+ positive feedback from the consultation, the Meadow Areas be created at the start of the grass growing season.

F.     That the information signage to be installed at each public open spaces site accessed by members of the public and will provide information on Meadow Areas and the benefits of natural meadows, set out in Appendix 5 to the report, be approved.

G.    That Meadow Areas be reviewed and amended to reflect new national legislation, including Biodiversity Net Gain, updates to the Climate Change Act 2008 or local policy, such as the update to the Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan that is published.