URL: https://rother.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1937

Decision Maker: Council

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose: To consider the Motion submitted by Councillor Prochak.

Content: In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 13, consideration was given to the following Motion moved by Councillor Prochak and seconded by Councillor Field on the nature emergency:   Rother District Council resolves to:   1.  Declare that we are experiencing a nature emergency, recognising that:   a.     Nature is in long term decline and urgent action must be taken to reverse this. b.     A thriving natural environment underpins a healthy, prosperous society. c.      The nature crisis and the climate emergency are intrinsically linked and that the impacts of the climate crisis drive nature’s decline, while restoring nature can help to tackle the climate crisis. d.     Environmental protection is not incompatible with development but is essential for lasting progress. e.     Rother District Council’s Local Plan Policies take account of the climate emergency, the biodiversity crisis and the Nature Recovery Strategy. This motion is extending these aims to cover all the Council’s activities.   2.  Continue to commit to embedding nature’s recovery at the heart of all strategic plans, policy areas and decision-making processes.   3.  Commit to tackling the climate and nature emergencies together and investing in nature-based solutions to climate change.   4.  Develop and agree on an evidence-based strategy and action plan for nature’s recovery and report through the Climate Change Steering Group on the progress made. This should be part of the commitment to Sussex Nature Recovery Strategy.   5.  Set clear strategic goals for nature’s recovery by 2030, for example, covering the following areas:   a.    Increasing space for wildlife and long-term maintenance and expansion of the Nature Recovery Network on our own land and through planning policy for new developments. b.    Reducing pressure on wildlife. c.    Improving doorstep access to nature, particularly for those from disadvantaged backgrounds. d.    Supporting communities and businesses to make better decisions and take action to support nature’s recovery. e.    Ensuring the sustainable management of resources such as clean water and sanitation for all.   6.  Work with local communities and organisations to achieve the strategic goals, particularly engaging with disadvantaged and underrepresented sections of society.   The Motion on being put, was declared CARRIED (unanimous). (Councillor Byrne declared an Other Registerable Interest in this matter as a Director of Combe Valley Community Interest Company and in accordance with the Members’ Code of Conduct remained in the meeting during the consideration thereof.)   (Councillor Clark declared an Other Registerable Interest in this matter as an elected Member of East Sussex County Council and in accordance with the Members’ Code of Conduct remained in the meeting during the consideration thereof.)   (Councillor Maynard declared an Other Registerable Interest in this matter as an Executive Member of East Sussex County Council and in accordance with the Members’ Code of Conduct remained in the meeting during the consideration thereof.)

Date of Decision: December 15, 2025