Agenda and draft minutes

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 19 November 2025.

It was moved by Councillor Bray, seconded by Councillor Bools and

                        RESOLVED – the minutes of the meeting held on 19 November be                         approved as a correct record.

No interests were declared at this stage.

To seek agreement from members to update the Waste Collection Policy

Members were presented with an update on the Waste Collection Policy.

Members confirmed that whilst this was a good policy that they were happy to support they had concerns around the government funding being provided for wood waste collections.

It was moved by Councillor Hodgkins, seconded by Councillor Bools and

                    Resolved –

(i)              The updated Waste Collection Policy and its implementation from 1 March 2026 be approved;

(ii)             That delegation for the Director of Corporate and Street Scene Services, and the Executive lead for Neighbourhood Services to update the materials accepted/prohibited to comply with the governments simpler recycling reforms be approved;

(iii)           That minor changes to fees and charges contained within the policy be approved.

To seek permission from members to assign areas of Burbage Common and Woods as a biodiversity net gain (BNG) ‘habitat bank’

Members were presented with the report to seek approval for areas of Burbage Common and Woods to be registered as a biodiversity net gain (BNG) habitat bank and the habitat improvement works identified in the report.

Councillor Bray declared that he had attended an awards event that had been paid for by Pallex who are referenced in the report.

Members reiterated that this report was welcomed and was about improving and securing the long term future of the common.

It was moved by Councillor Hodgkins, seconded by Councillor Cartwright and

                    RESOLVED –

(i)              That parts of Burbage Common and Woods are established as a BNG habitat bank;

(ii)             Completion of a Conservation Covenant between the council and an appropriate Responsible Body for the delivery of BNG habitat bank is endorsed in order to secure these units to the national Biodiversity Gain site register;

(iii)           Delegated authority for the Director of Corporate and Street Scene Services and Executive lead for Neighbour Services be given to sell these BNG units to relevant developers at market rates;

(iv)           Negotiations be noted by Executive that have already commenced with Pallex for the sale of some BNG units;

(v)             The biodiversity improvements to Burbage Common and Woods needed to fulfil obligations under BNG be noted;

(vi)           An achievement of 10% enhancement in biodiversity to maintain for 30 years be noted and to ensure the land cannot be used for any other purpose for this 30-year period;

(vii)          A Capital budget of £53,985 be added for endorsement at Council in February and a receipt of £867,189 from sale of these units making a revenue budget of £16,000 needed in 2026/27 be noted. Along with an additional budget for legal services that will be required of £20,000;

(viii)        A revenue budget of £7,567 for 2027/28 be approved;

(ix)           £10,625 will be set aside for future years to pay for Ecology surveys to ensure compliance with the scheme.