Having previously declared personal and prejudicial interests in this item, Councillors Steve Foulkes and Jeff Green vacated the Council Chamber and did not take part in the voting thereon (minute 40 refers).

Councillor Phil Gilchrist moved and Councillor Stuart Kelly seconded the following Motion submitted in accordance with Standing Order 7 –

(1)  This Council requests that renewed importance should be attached to the protection afforded to agricultural land as the responses to the Local Plan are considered. Land that is currently in productive agricultural use should not be removed from the Green Belt in view of the need to safeguard future food supplies.

(2)  Council believes that the wide fluctuations in our weather, from the extreme cold of March 2018 through the recent hot dry Summer, necessitate greater attention to national food security and supply. Council considers that these conditions and the recent developments in agricultural policy highlight the need to retain good agricultural land rather than bury it under extensive areas of new housing.

(3)  Officers are requested to consider the terms of the Agriculture Bill, published on 'Back British Farming Day' on 12 September 2018. This sets out how farmers and land managers will, in future, be paid for “public goods”, such as better air and water quality, improved soil health, higher animal welfare standards, public access to the countryside and measures to reduce flooding. It proposes that farmers will be supported over a seven year transition period in a system that is intended to replace the Common Agricultural Policy.

(4)  In addition to this, the Government’s policy statement ‘Health and Harmony: the future for food, farming and the environment in a Green Brexit’ was updated on 14 September 2018. When taken together, these proposals will affect farming across our nation and impact on the future use of agricultural land in Wirral. The uncertain future facing agriculture needs to be addressed.

(5)  Council recalls that Policy CS2 - Broad Spatial Strategy (page 19), paragraph 9 states that...

“The focus within rural areas will be on strengthening and diversifying the agricultural economy; re-using existing buildings and previously developed land; providing rural services within established settlements; supporting the beneficial use of best and most versatile agricultural land; providing for local food production and food security; and outdoor sport and recreation; subject to national Green Belt controls and Policy CS3.”

(6)  Council also recognises that Chapter 15 in the July 2018 version of the NPPF 'Conserving and enhancing the natural environment' states that …

"170. Planning policies and decisions should contribute to and enhance the natural and local environment by:

a)  protecting and enhancing valued landscapes, sites of biodiversity or geological value and soils (in a manner commensurate with their statutory status or identified quality in the development plan);

b)  recognising the intrinsic character and beauty of the countryside, and the wider benefits from natural capital and ecosystem services – including the economic and other benefits of the best and most versatile agricultural land, and of trees and woodland."

(7)  Accordingly, Council requests that officers and Cabinet should give these issues further attention as the need for adequate protection required for Wirral’s Green Belt and farmland becomes ever more pressing and apparent. These views should be submitted as part of the current consultation and drawn to the attention of Wirral's MPs.

Having applied the guillotine the Council did not debate this matter.

The motion was put and carried (58:0) (Two abstentions).

Resolved (58:0) (Two abstentions) – That the motion be approved.