Decision details

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

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.

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.