Decision Details

Implemented

River Strategy

The River Colne is a significant natural asset that runs through the heart of the Borough. This report sets out existing activity and projects associated with the river in addition to providing information to help inform a panel discussion on opportunities that exist to enhance the contribution the river makes to biodiversity, recreation, regeneration, and wellbeing.

Wed 2 Mar 2022

No

Yes

Committee

Policy Panel

Yes

No

No

The Panel is asked to note and consider making the following recommendations:

2.1 To recommend to Cabinet that work commence to develop a new Green & Blue Infrastructure Strategy for Colchester and that development of the strategy be incorporated within a Panel work programme for the 2022/23 municipal year. A key element of the strategy development to include consultation with stakeholders.

2.2 To recommend to Cabinet that options be explored working alongside key partners to identify and lever in external funding to accelerate wetland restoration projects as part of the Woodland and Biodiversity Programme of work.

2.3 To recommend to Cabinet that the Council collaborates with the Land Use and Green Infrastructure Essex Climate Action Commission with a view to the Council being a partner to the proposed Essex Climate Focus Area and that future updates are taken to Environment & Sustainability Panel for consideration.

2.4 To recommend to cabinet that an options paper on fishing rights for the River Colne be developed with stakeholders and presented to the relevant portfolio holder for agreement.