England is taking important steps towards nature recovery, with the government making legally-binding commitments to halt the decline and promote the restoration of our natural environments. These efforts are part of a broader movement to protect and rejuvenate the country's wildlife and landscapes.
The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has appointed 48 responsible authorities to lead on preparing a local nature recovery strategy (LNRS) for their area. Beyond a policy requirement, these present a strategic opportunity for developers, planners, and landowners.
LNRSs provide spatial plans that prioritise habitat creation and nature recovery. While often framed as a regulatory exercise, they have the potential to unlock funding, streamline planning, and future-proof developments.
Why LNRS matters for development and planning...
LNRSs are not just about conservation, they influence land use, planning decisions, and investment priorities:
✔️ Aligning with LNRS early can de-risk planning applications, making developments more likely to gain approval.
✔️ Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) and LNRS priorities are closely linked, making integration into project planning essential.
✔️ Strategic landowners can use LNRS data to identify opportunities for land promotion, funding, and collaboration on nature-based solutions.
London’s approach: A model for integration?
The Greater London LNRS is taking an innovative approach. By linking with the London Green Infrastructure Framework, it goes beyond nature recovery, incorporating climate resilience, urban cooling and social equity.
📌 The interactive mapping tool enables early engagement, helping developers align with nature priorities from the outset.
📌 Collaboration across 33 boroughs and neighbouring counties signals a shift towards cross-boundary environmental planning.
📌 Other LNRSs could follow London’s lead, embedding green infrastructure, carbon sequestration and climate adaptation into local planning.
What’s next? Turning policy into opportunity
With BNG already in effect, LNRSs will shape future planning decisions. The key question is not just how to comply but how to leverage them as a competitive advantage.
💡 Engage early. Understanding LNRS priorities now can influence site selection and project design.
💡 Think beyond biodiversity. LNRSs are part of a broader shift towards nature-based solutions and sustainable placemaking.
💡 Be proactive. Those who align projects with LNRS priorities early will be best positioned for the next decade of planning.
Rather than another layer of regulation, LNRSs present an opportunity to create lasting, high-value places. Forward-thinking organisations are already taking action, are you?
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