Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: June 24, 2025

Purpose: To ask Cabinet to agree the Greater Manchester Local Nature Recovery Strategy prior to adoption by the GM Mayor

Content: The Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Economy and Place, which sought approval of the publication of the Greater Manchester Local Nature Recovery Strategy by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (on behalf of the Mayor of Greater Manchester Combined Authority).   The Principal Planning Officer (Climate Resilience) was in attendance to present the report and to address the questions and the comments of the Cabinet Members.   The Officers informed that under the Environment Act 2021, the Mayor of Greater Manchester Combined Authority was required to prepare and adopt a Local Nature Recovery Strategy for the City Region, and seek agreement from each of the ten districts.   Resolved that the publication of the Greater Manchester Local Nature Recovery Strategy by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (on behalf of the Mayor of Greater Manchester Combined Authority) be agreed.   Reason for decision: Officers had been closely involved in the development of this strategy; it reflected Council’s priorities as set out in the existing Green Network policy of the Core Strategy. It was an evidence-led strategy for land management; it was not a land-use planning document, although it would inform future Local Plan policy. It did not commit Rochdale Council to undertake any specified action, however, the Council would be required to have regard to the strategy when it was adopted. It did not create any new areas of protection or designation.   Alternatives considered and rejected: None. The production of the Strategy was a statutory requirement and it was the responsibility of the Mayor of Greater Manchester Combined Authority.