Decision Maker: Mid Suffolk Cabinet, Babergh Cabinet

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: February 11, 2025

Purpose: To review the draft Local Nature Recovery Strategy prior to release for public consultation

Content: It was RESOLVED: -   1.1         That, Cabinet accepted the recommendation (Option B) to approve the draft Local Nature Recovery Strategy, without changes, prior to public consultation.   1.2         That, Cabinet noted it will have further opportunities throughout the Local Nature Recovery Strategy development and consultation stages, to make recommended changes to the Local Nature Recovery Strategy.   REASON FOR DECISION   The creation and approval of a Local Nature Recovery Strategy will demonstrate the council’s commitment to long-term environmental sustainability whilst aligning with national goals and legislation.   The Local Nature Recovery Strategy will help to create and / or improve habitat most likely to provide the greatest benefit for nature and the wider environment. It will also identify where action to achieve biodiversity net gain will have the most impact and encourage action in these locations through the way net gain is calculated.   Officers have contributed collaboratively across Suffolk and Norfolk to formulate the draft LNRS and opportunity for public consultation and then a second stage supporting authorities’ consultation, both before the final publication, exists.   Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:   Three options have been considered by officers in the development of this report:   ·         Option A - the draft Local Nature Recovery Strategy is not approved. Through its current plan and prior commitment to recognising the biodiversity emergency being faced, the option to not approve the draft LNRS has not been considered.   ·         Option B - the draft Local Nature Recovery Strategy is approved without changes (using the template provided by Suffolk County Council at Appendix B). This is officers recommended option due to time constraints as the supporting authority’s consultation response is required on the day of the cabinet meeting i.e. 11 February 2025. Furthermore, the draft LNRS has been developed in collaboration with officers across Suffolk and Norfolk, and there will be opportunity to amend and contribute to the draft from the two stages of consultation yet to come.   ·         Option C – the draft LNRS is approved, subject to recommended changes. Note this will cause some unnecessary delay to the LNRS timeline, given, there are other opportunities to respond later in the process.   Any Declarations of Interests Declared: None Any Dispensation Granted: None