Decision details

Resolved: that the Committee would refer its views to Mayor and Cabinet as follows –

Recommendation 1: Hither Green sidings SINC case study

1.1.        The Committee recommends that the Council should update 2015/2016  site of importance for nature conservation (SINC) review with a biodiversity action plan to include the priority habitats of wet-woodland for Hither Green Sidings SINC in time for its inclusion in the Local Plan.

Recommendation 2. Woodland and area tree protection orders

1.2.        The Committee recommends putting in place a woodland TPO in the enclosed area inside the Nature Reserve *(this a privately owned site in the south east corner of the nature reserve adjoing Railway Children Walk)*, to ensure the many saplings and young trees are given a chance to succeed into a mature woodland;  and an area TPO on the triangular site behind the Ringway Centre to protect the established trees amongst the mosaic scrubland, to avoid the extinction of habitats and species across Grove Park Nature Reserve SINC as well as – especially in their subsequent recording in the Local Plan – making it clear that ecological lapses will not be tolerated and underlining the strength of the ecological corridor and its role in establishing an Urban National Park.

Recommendation 3: Protection of ecological corridor along railway line from South Circular to Chinbrook Meadows and the borough boundary

1.3.        The Committee recommends that a survey for the implementation of a Site of Metropolitan Importance (SMI) be carried out along the entire corridor to protect wet woodland, chalk grassland, rivers, ponds and ancient woodland and all other green sites.

Recommendation 4: Delay in the Grove Park Neighbourhood Plan examination date.

1.4.        The Committee recommends that the Council should agree re-designation immediately and set date for examination for the Grove Park Neighbourhood Plan to gain material weight.