Achieving better biodiversity compensation with added benefits for all

Project description

The aim of the project is to develop a new innovative approach to aid economic development in NPT and to help halt and reverse the decline of biodiversity in Wales

What will the project achieve?

The project will develop specification for and promote on the ground habitat creation/improvement, which will encourage local residents to access and enjoy their local environment on sites where access can continue to be provided. The initial part of the project actively targets local landowners to engage with the project and to improve the habitats on their land for biodiversity purposes. 

Who are the project beneficiaries?

Local developers, local landowners, local communities plus if the approach works it can be rolled out as best practice regionally so the wider community may benefit.

What was the result of your project?  

The final report sets out a number of recommendations for how a new approach to biodiversity compensation needed to offset losses to development could be delivered in Neath Port Talbot.  These include financial and legal mechanisms, methods for delivery and full details of suggested proposals for a number of pilot sites.

What were the challenges?

Working with private landowners identified a number of issues that would need to be overcome before inclusion of private land in the scheme will be able to be realised.  Confusion over state aid rules was identified as a significant constraint to the project; however this has subsequently been overcome.

What’s next for your project?

The approach set out in the final report recommendations has been utilised and built upon in the preparation of a biodiversity compensation scheme, which is set out in the emerging NPT biodiversity and geodiversity supplementary planning guidance.  This SPG is intended to be adopted and implemented in 2018.