New biodiversity policy will help make Three Rivers look even greener

Councillors unanimously agreed to adopt Three Rivers District Council’s Biodiversity Policy, which seeks to bring together and align all council and local documents that protect, enhance, and improve biodiversity in the district, at Full Council on Tuesday 9 July.

The Environment Act 2021 was implemented to operate as the UK’s new framework of environmental protection. It strengthens the duty of local authorities to conserve and enhance biodiversity through a range of schemes, including Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) and Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRS).

BNG requires most developments granted in England to deliver at least 10% biodiversity net gain within or outside the development area unless they are exempt.

LNRS will aim to prioritise sites across the country for BNG delivery, Hertfordshire Council County is the responsible authority for this with Three Rivers District Council assisting with sites within the district.

The council’s Biodiversity Policy, which will be reviewed and updated when relevant, was created to comply with the aforementioned requirements and to support reviewing and improving internal council procedures, such as action plans and targets.

Emma Sheridan, the council’s Associate Director for Environment, said: “Three Rivers District Council is proud of its green credentials and remains committed to protecting and improving the quality of our environment. Having a policy that requires a majority of developments to improve wildlife habitats is a big step forward in ensuring the district's future remains green.”