Biodiversity duty
In England, public authorities’ duty towards the protection and enhancement of biodiversity has been strengthened by Section 102 of the Environment Act 2021. Public authorities are to complete a first consideration of what actions to take for biodiversity, with policies and objectives to be agreed based on this consideration. Public authorities must also then take actions to deliver these policies and achieve the objectives.
This first consideration report sets out the approach Rossendale Borough Council is proposing to undertake to protect and enhance biodiversity. It has been prepared by an officer steering group on biodiversity established in 2023.
The Biodiversity Report (2023 - 2025) reports on the actions undertaken by the Council and its partners between January 2023 and December 2025. It aso looks at the future actions for the next 5 years. In addition, information on the mandatory biodiversity net gain framework in planning is provided such as biodiversity net gain delivered or expected to be delivered by new developments in the Borough. The next biodiversity report will be published in 5 years time.