Local views needed to help inform decisions affecting nature

WITH concern growing that proposed changes to the national planning system through the Government's Planning & Infrastructure Bill could seriously undermine wildlife protections, the current consultation on the draft Nottinghamshire Local Nature Recovery Strategy is a positive opportunity for county residents to help shape local policy to drive nature recovery.

- By ERIN MCDAID

Local nature recovery strategies (LNRSs) are a new system of spatial strategies established by the Environment Act 2021.

The main aim of LNRSs is to agree priorities for nature recovery and identify suitable locations where habitat can be created or improved to help reverse the long-term decline of nature.

Delivery of local strategies will contribute towards the national Nature Recovery Network and the LNRSs will also help inform delivery of mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) linked to new development. They will also help shape local planning policy for nature recovery which could become even more important if national protections are undermined.

Across England there are 48 LNRSs and here in Notts, Nottinghamshire County Council was appointed by Defra (Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) to be what is known as the Responsible Authority to lead on the development of the LNRS for Nottinghamshire and the City of Nottingham.