Purpose

Essex County Council (ECC) conducted a public consultation on its Local Nature Recovery Strategy between 12 May and 9 June 2025. Introduced in the Environment Act 2021, a Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) is a statutory requirement and will be the primary strategic plan for tackling the ecological emergency and reversing biodiversity declines within an area.
ECC are the responsible authority and have progressed the LNRS to this stage in accordance with the Environment Act. Tendring District Council (TDC) has been actively engaged throughout the development of the strategy. At this advanced stage of its preparation TDC is being asked whether it supports ECC proceeding to publish the strategy, subject to approval by ECC’s Cabinet.
The Portfolio Holder with responsibility for Housing and Planning has concurred with this response being submitted.

Decision

Option 1 - To respond formally to Essex County Council's public consultation on the Local Nature Recovery Strategy, confirming TDC’s agreement to the publication of the strategy.

Alternative options considered

Option 1 - Respond formally supporting the publication of the LNRS.
Option 2 – Respond formally objecting to the publication of the LNRS.
Option 3 - Do not respond to Local Nature Recovery Strategy public consultation.