URL: https://cmttpublic.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=2016

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRS) are a statutory requirement under the Environment Act 2021. There is a legal requirement for Local Authorities to have a Local Nature Recovery Strategy as part of their enhanced biodiversity duty. Due to the legal standing of the LNRS mapped areas of strategic significance for natures recovery will affect the planning process and the calculation of biodiversity net gain units.

Content: Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRS) are a statutory requirement under the Environment Act 2021. There is a legal requirement for Local Authorities to have a Local Nature Recovery Strategy as part of their enhanced biodiversity duty. Due to the legal standing of the LNRS mapped areas of strategic significance for natures recovery will affect the planning process and the calculation of biodiversity net gain units. Cabinet considered the report of the Director of Economy and Housing concerning the production of the Cheshire and Warrington Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS).  Members were informed that the LNRS was a statutory policy document under the Environment Act 2021 and that there was a legal requirement for local authorities to have a LNRS as part of their enhanced biodiversity duty.   Members noted that the LNRS reflected extensive collaborative between local authorities, farmers, landowners, businesses, residents and other key stakeholders and built on the council’s commitment to tackle the climate emergency.  The LNRS set out clear priorities and identified areas to create or restore habitats, to provide the most benefit for nature and the wider environment.  In addition, it was a blueprint to help nature recover by providing greener communities, stronger ecosystems and a fairer local economy.   Councillor Christine Warner, Cabinet Member for Homes and Planning, led the discussion on the item as proposer and the item was seconded by Councillor Louise Gittins, Leader of the Council.   Visiting Members: Councillor Simon Eardley spoke in relation to the item.   Members welcomed the report and the LNRS and highlighted the need to ensure the proposals in the Strategy were embedded into all aspects of local decision-making going forward. Members hoped the Strategy would now be widely promoted in order to inspire and encourage communities to become involved in nature recovery.  They were also keen to build on the fantastic work with local schools and Chester Zoo on green corridors and welcomed the potential conversion of landfill sites into grassland areas to restore them back to nature.  They acknowledged that water sustainability and management was crucially important moving forward and that planning applications could embrace nature recovery.   Members looked forward to implementation of the LNRS and embedding it into future thinking and planning in order to enhance the borough ad make it a better place for nature recovery.   DECIDED:     That   the Cheshire and Warrington Local Nature Recovery Strategy, including both the Statement of Biodiversity Priorities and Local Habitat Map appended to this report (see appendices) be approved.   Reason for Decision   1)            To ensure the Council complies with the requirement to publish a LNRS under section 105(1) of the Environment Act 2021 (“the EA”). 2)            Help the Council to demonstrate that it is meeting its duty to conserve and enhance biodiversity in accordance with section 40 of the Natural Environment Rural Communities Act 2006. 3)            Provides an evidence base for development to be carried out in a way that supports the requirement for developers to deliver a minimum 10% increase in biodiversity value as set out in Schedule 7A of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (‘Biodiversity Net Gain’) and support the provision of Biodiversity Net Gain across the wider sub- region. 4)            Provides consistency with previous decisions, such as the declaration of a Climate and Nature Emergency in 2019 and 2021 respectively.   Alternative Options   There is the option of not approving the LNRS but if the cabinet does proceed to do this, the risks outlined in section 13 above could materialize such as loss of potential funding, lack of resource to deliver on the proposals within the document alongside potential investigation by the Office for Environmental Protection and legal proceedings.

Date of Decision: November 12, 2025