URL: https://democracy.thurrock.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=958

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose:

Content: Councillor L Watson introduced the report.   “This report presents the draft Essex Local Nature Recovery Strategy, prepared by Essex County Council under the Environment Act 2021. While Essex County Council is the lead authority, Thurrock and other local councils are supporting authorities, working alongside the Essex Local Nature Partnership, Natural England, and a wide range of stakeholders, from farmers and landowners to community and environmental groups. This is an exciting moment for Essex. The UK is the first country in the world to require, by law, the recovery of its natural environment, and Essex is among the first counties to show how this can be delivered locally. The emphasis here is on recovery. For too long, efforts have focused only on slowing decline. Yet nature across Essex has faced alarming losses of habitats, wildlife, and biodiversity driven by development, intensive agriculture, pollution, invasive species, and now climate change. That is why this Strategy matters. It sets a shared vision to restore nature, protect wildlife, and create a richer, more resilient environment for future generations.   As portfolio holder, I am deeply passionate about protecting Thurrock’s green spaces and biodiversity, and I know many of our residents feel the same. As a Supporting Authority, Thurrock will play its full part in making this strategy a success.”   Councillor V Holloway commented that the fact this was being dealt with under the Deputy Leaders portfolio shows how important it is and that they are thinking about this in everything. Green spaces are of paramount importance and recovery of that should be considered in every decision we make.   RESOLVED:   2.1          Cabinet noted the planned adoption of the Essex Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) by Essex County Council Cabinet at its July meeting and endorsed the Essex LNRS in Thurrock Councils role as a Supporting Authority and recognise it as a material planning consideration in making planning decisions.   Reason for the decision: as outlined in the report This decision is subject to call-in  

Date of Decision: September 17, 2025