Regeneration, Markets and Strategic Finance Cabinet Member – Minutes – 28 May 2010

96 (1) SOUTH HUMBER GATEWAY – MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING – The Head of Strategic Regeneration, Housing and Development submitted an urgent report to inform the Cabinet Member of progress on the development of the South Humber Gateway’s (SHG) Special Protection Area Delivery Plan and seeking approval to sign the Memorandum of Understanding.

The development of the SHG’s Special Protection Area Delivery Plan was a critical piece of work because the Humber Estuary came under the Habitats Regulations and developers needed to address the requirements for mitigation under this legislation. It would ensure the development of the SHG was harmonised with its natural environment. Crucially, it would bring greater certainty and clarity for potential investors and developers, while enhancing the natural environment. The two objectives were challenging but not mutually exclusive.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) had been developed between North Lincolnshire Council, North East Lincolnshire Council, Yorkshire Forward, Natural England, the Environment Agency, RSPB and the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust to work in partnership to develop strategic mitigation across the whole of the SHG. This was the first step towards a SHG Special Protection Area Delivery Plan.

The MoU demonstrated effective, strategic partnership working in moving away from piecemeal mitigation for individual developments on the SHG towards SHG wide mitigation. This would not only provide for the requirements of the Habitats Regulations of the SHG but also harmonise the economic development and ecology of the SHG.

The report was urgent so that the partners could sign the Memorandum of Understanding as soon as possible to progress the mitigation plan and also to inform the evidence base for the Core Strategy.

Resolved – (a) That the Memorandum of Understanding be signed by the Leader and Chief Executive of North Lincolnshire Council, (b) that the Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Marketing and Strategic Finance receive further officer reports on the effectiveness of the MoU, as and when appropriate, and (c) that support be given to the ongoing development of the SHG’s Special Protection Area Delivery Plan so that the economic potential of the SHG can be realised and its ecology protected. This plan would be presented to the Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Marketing and Strategic Finance for approval towards the end of July 2010.