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To endorse the Gloucestershire Local Nature
Recovery Strategy (LNRS) and confirm its use in planning policy,
development management and biodiversity initiatives in
Cheltenham.

Reasons for the decision

Gloucestershire County Council adopted the
Gloucestershire Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) on 28 January
2026. The LNRS establishes a statutory, county-wide framework for
reversing biodiversity decline, enhancing ecological networks and
guiding habitat restoration and creation. Endorsing the LNRS
enables Cheltenham Borough Council to align its planning functions
with national requirements under the Environment Act 2021, which
places a duty on local authorities to have regard to Local Nature
Recovery Strategies when exercising relevant functions.

Endorsement will support the Council in delivering Biodiversity Net
Gain (BNG), strengthening ecological resilience and embedding
nature recovery considerations within both strategic and local
development planning. The LNRS provides a detailed evidence base
that identifies locations where habitat enhancement, creation or
connectivity will have the greatest impact. Integrating this
spatial information into planning policies, such as the Strategic
and Local Plan (SLP) will help ensure development contributes
meaningfully to biodiversity recovery while also supporting climate
adaptation objectives, including improved flood resilience, carbon
sequestration and enhanced green infrastructure.

The production of the LNRS was led by Gloucestershire County
Council. It was produced collaboratively with partners across
Gloucestershire, including the Gloucestershire Local Nature
Partnership, conservation bodies, landowners and district councils.
As a result, endorsement will position Cheltenham Borough Council
to engage effectively in county-wide programmes, support
cross-boundary ecological corridors and contribute to future
funding opportunities. The LNRS provides a coherent and long-term
vision for nature recovery that will guide delivery by multiple
stakeholders. Cheltenham’s endorsement ensures the borough is
well-placed to benefit from coordinated action, future
environmental investment and strengthened environmental outcomes
for residents and wildlife.

Alternative options considered

Not endorsing the LNRS was considered but
rejected because it would limit Cheltenham Borough Council’s
ability to meet statutory biodiversity duties, align its planning
policies with national requirements and benefit from coordinated,
county-wide nature recovery activity.