Purpose

The paper sets out information
relating to the Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) for
Hampshire. The processes, roles and obligations are detailed along
with a timetable of the key steps. This report makes
recommendations as to how to proceed according to our role as a
statutory consultee, taking account of the limitations of the
timeline.
 

Decision

The Leader:
 

·        
Delegates authority to the Head of Planning and Infrastructure in
consultation with Head of Environment and Community Services and
the Portfolio Holders for Ecological and Climate Emergencies and
Planning to respond to, or object to any requests for opinions
and/or consultation drafts of the LNRS and/or comply with any other
requirements in respect of LNRS in accordance with the Environment
Act 2021 and the Environment (Local Nature Recovery Strategies)
(Procedure) Regulations 2023.

Reasons for the decision

The LNRS is one of the four key instruments
from the Environment Act 2021. Led by Hampshire County council as
the responsible authority, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council
has a statutory role as a supporting authority. This role permits
the council to respond or object to the LNRS at certain stages of
the process, with any such response due within 28 days.

Alternative options considered

Provide delegated authority – this will
enable the council to provide a formal response to requests or
consultations from the responsible authority within the timeline
stipulated by the regulations.
 
Do not provide delegated authority –The
council’s consultation response, if it chose to provide one,
would need to be approved by the Leader or Cabinet prior to its
submission. This could cause a delay beyond the consultation window
resulting in the required response falling outside of the 28-day
required timeframe and the responsible authority not accepting
it.