Purpose

The Environment Act 2021 has
introduced a strengthened ‘biodiversity duty’ that
requires public authorities to consider what they can do to
conserve and enhance biodiversity in England.
This means that all major planning applications submitted after 1
January 2024, and all planning applications from 1 April 2024 must
result in enhanced biodiversity.
Local authorities are required to publish a duty report by 1
January 2024 explaining how they will ensure these requirements are
implemented.

Content

A decision was taken to
publish a high level summary of Crawley Borough Council's response
to the legislation and steps that will be taken to develop detailed
policies.
The duty report has been published on the Crawley.gov.uk website
here:
https://crawley.gov.uk/council-information/news-and-events/public-notices/crawley-borough-council-biodiversity-duty

This approach is consistent with other local authorities and is
appropriate since the legislation is new and its impact is not
fully understood.
Detailed plans for implementation will be developed during 2024 as
the local plan review is completed, and the full implications of
the legislation are understood.