Decision details

To provide third party land owners, land agents and all interested parties with clear,transparent information on the process by which DC will decide which BNG habitat banks to progress, from the sites submitted to the Council for this purpose.

To publish on the DC BNG webpages the ‘Off-site habitat banks – Dorset Council selection criteria and process’ document. The document will guide how DC staff decide which third party owned BNG off-site habitat banks to progress, and set out what third party land owners should expect in terms of information needed and how DC will proceed.

Decision made under the officer scheme of delegation.

https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/w/biodiversity-net-gain

Alternative options considered and rejected:

Not publishing the selection criteria would mean the Council could be subject to accusations of bias or favoritism for particular sites. Publishing the criteria ensures everyone involved understands that the selection criteria and subsequent process are fair and transparent.