Environment Act 2021

105 Preparation of local nature recovery strategies

(1) A local nature recovery strategy for an area (“the strategy area”) is to be prepared and published by the responsible authority.

(2) The responsible authority for a local nature recovery strategy is such one of the following authorities as is appointed by the Secretary of State—

(a) a local authority whose area is, or is within, the strategy area;

(b) the Mayor of London;

(c) the mayor for the area of a combined authority established under section 103 of the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009;

(d) a National Park authority in England;

(e) the Broads Authority;

(f) Natural England.

(3) A local nature recovery strategy is to be reviewed and republished from time to time by the responsible authority.

(4) The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision about the procedure to be followed in the preparation and publication, and review and republication, of local nature recovery strategies.

(5) Regulations under this section may, for example, include provision—

(a) requiring the provision of information by a local authority whose area is, or is within, the strategy area but which is not the responsible authority;

(b) for a local nature recovery strategy to be agreed by all of the local authorities whose areas are within the strategy area;

(c) for the procedure for reaching such agreement and for the resolution of disagreements (including resolution by the Secretary of State or by a public inquiry);

(d) for consultation, including consultation of members of the public;

(e) for the times at or after which a local nature recovery strategy is to be reviewed and republished.

(6) Regulations under this section are subject to the negative procedure.