Decision Maker: Babergh Cabinet, Mid Suffolk Cabinet

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: October 7, 2025

Purpose: To approve the Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNES)

Content: It was RESOLVED: -   1.1          That, Cabinet accepted Option B to approve the Final Draft Local Nature Recovery Strategy, without changes.   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 work to prepare the LNRS has been carried out in accordance with the regulations and statutory guidance, and all key stages of the required process have been completed to this point.   Officers have contributed collaboratively across Suffolk and Norfolk to formulate the draft LNRSs. There have been two rounds of public consultation and two rounds of supporting authorities’ consultation; both contributing to the final publication.   The scope of the LNRS, and the methodology used in determining its content, are to a large extent prescribed in the statutory guidance, as well as through several non-statutory guidance notes produced by Natural England.   The public consultation has indicated strong support for the LNRS, and the priorities and measures within it, as well as providing further useful feedback and information. Much of this has been taken on-board in the Final Draft LNRS, with the themes of the main changes set out in paragraph 9.8. Where comments have not been taken on-board, a clear explanation for not doing so is provided in the full consultation report.   Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:   Option A - the Final Draft Local Nature Recovery Strategy is not approved. Considering the council’s current plan and prior commitment to recognising the biodiversity emergency being faced, the option to not approve the draft LNRS has not been proposed.   Option C - the Final Draft LNRS is approved, subject to recommended changes. Note this may cause delay to the LNRS timeline as there is limited time between the end of this consultation and the proposed publication date to respond to and address any requested changes.   Any Declarations of Interests Declared: None Any Dispensation Granted: None