Decision
Analysis
outcome: The Cabinet agreed to publish the Local Nature Recovery Strategy and authorized the Executive Director of Place to confirm the same in writing to the GMCA and the Mayor.
summary: The decision at stake is the approval of the Local Nature Recovery Strategy in response to a mandatory requirement.
topline: The Cabinet has decided to approve the publication of the Local Nature Recovery Strategy in response to a mandatory requirement.
reason_contentious: This issue is not particularly contentious as it is a mandatory requirement under the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006, as amended by the Environment Act 2021.
affected_stakeholders: ["Cabinet", "Executive Director of Place", "GMCA", "Mayor", "Bury Council"]
contentiousness_score: 2
political_party_relevance: There are no mentions or implications of political parties or political influence on the decision.
URL: https://councildecisions.bury.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=4236
Decision Maker: Cabinet
Outcome: Recommendations Approved
Is Key Decision?: Yes
Is Callable In?: No
Purpose:
Content: Councillor Alan Quinn, Cabinet Member for Environment, Climate Change and Operations presented a report which explained the mandatory requirement to establish a Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS); set out the findings from the public consultation on the draft version; and summarised the content of the final version. In response to Members’ questions, it was noted that the 2014 Anti-Social Behaviour Act allowed for fines to be placed on those knowingly allowing invasive species to spread, but that this was a complex problem which transcends borough borders. It was also noted that no sites had been removed but that the map was much larger than core areas highlighted, which showed the potential for the future. Decision: Cabinet agreed that they are content for the Local Nature Recovery Strategy to be published and authorise the Executive Director of Place to confirm the same in writing to the GMCA and the Mayor as the responsible authority for the GM Local Nature Recovery Strategy. Reasons for the decision: The Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006, as amended by the Environment Act 2021, requires responsible authorities to develop Local Nature Recovery Strategies to identify opportunities and priorities for nature recovery, develop an action plan and map areas where funding and efforts to work together to help nature should be targeted. The GM Local Nature Recovery Strategy will fulfil this obligation. As a supporting authority, Bury Council is obliged to support the production of the LNRS. Alternative options considered and rejected: Not to agree with or raise an objection to the final GM Local Nature Recovery Strategy. This option has been rejected because, whilst Bury is not the ‘responsible authority’, legislation requires that responsible authorities involve all ‘supporting authorities’ (such as Bury Council) in the preparation process so that key users are able to shape content. Bury has been involved in the preparation of the strategy, the strategy is considered to be justified and there are no valid reasons to object. Additionally, Bury Council still has a key role to play in delivering the Local Nature Recovery Strategy and it will inform the roll out of Biodiversity Net Gain and provide important evidence to inform the emerging Local Plan.
Date of Decision: July 9, 2025