On 23rd March, the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) published guidance on the preparation of Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRS), following a consultation that had informed the drafting of the guidance.
LNRS will set the framework for nature restoration and conservation across an identified area in England – most likely a local planning authority area. It is possible to see them as a relative of Local Plans: identifying topical and spatial priorities, opportunities and constraints for action.
LNRS will form key part in the delivery of the Nature Recovery Network, the Government’s wider ambitions to expand, improve and connect the national network of wildlife sites. They are also likely to complement the expected Land Use Framework.
In setting priorities for nature action, LNRS are likely to shape opportunities for landowners and managers. They will influence various other schemes and areas of regulation. For example, areas identified in a LNRS receive favourable weighting when assessed by the Biodiversity Metric for the purposes of Biodiversity Net Gain. Sitting alongside local and other development plans, the preparation of LNRS is likely to provide feedback for future identification of areas for development.
There is currently no indication that having land included within a LNRS creates any obligation for a landowner – at this stage it is suggested that it is to identify opportunities and area of priority. However, landowners and their advisers should be aware that they may shape market opportunities, limit development, and influence the future husbandry of their land.
This will be developed by organisations such as local authorities, combined authorities, National Park authorities and Natural England, governed by the Environment Act 2021. They will be required to designate a strategy area, identify opportunities for enhancing biodiversity, prioritise them and measure them, this will include existing designations as well additional and new features and opportunities and will encourage cooperation between landowners and stakeholders. The process will require public engagement.
In the response to the recent LNRS consultation, the Government identified the value of supporting farmers and land managers to engage with the process and there is to be further review into how they this can be achieved. It is understood that the Government will not, however, require landowner consent for the inclusion of land in the Local Nature Recovery Strategy. This is on the basis that a ‘balanced approach’ to requests for land inclusion or exclusion will be taken – watch this space carefully!
William Young, Director at Newton LDP says, “we would therefore encourage landowners and stakeholders to engage with the local process as early, proactively as possible, in order that their views are heard and that you have an opportunity to shape the future use of your assets.”