Leeds City Council supports biodiversity improvements on green spaces

Government rules relating to the new ‘Biodiversity Net Gain’ (BNG) planning requirements, say developers need to make sure nature is at least 10% better after their projects. If they can't do it on-site, they have to find local spots to improve.

The council has identified Rothwell Country Park, Skelton Lake, Killingbeck Fields, and Otley Chevin Forest Park for these investments with improvements being delivered through the Leeds Habitat Company, which is wholly owned by the council. 

Councillor Mohammed Rafique, Leeds City Council’s executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space, said:

“The council manages a large variety of green spaces which would benefit significantly from investment to enhance their biodiversity and allow local wildlife to thrive.

“We are really pleased with what has been achieved so far through our pilot BNG scheme.

“By making these new sites available for future investments, we are likely to secure significant long-term funding for the benefit of local wildlife and visitors to the sites.

“This will help us with our aim to work together with local partners to protect nature and reverse the loss of biodiversity, as is set out in our Best City Ambition.

“We are looking forward to being able to improve these four sites for people and wildlife soon.”

Read more about BNG at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/understanding-biodiversity-net-gain.

ENDS