Issue - meetings

The report of the Director – Neighbourhoods is attached.

It was RESOLVED that Cabinet approve for a Declaration to be made designating the land at The Green Line, West Bridgford; Meadow Park, East Leake and Springdale Wood, East Bridgford (shown hatched on the plans in Appendix 1 to the report) as Local Nature Reserves pursuant to Section 21 of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949.

The Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Environment and Safety, Councillor Inglis, presented the report of the Director – Neighbourhoods, seeking Cabinet approval for the designation of three new Local Nature Reserves (LNRs) in Rushcliffe under the relevant powers provided.

Councillor Inglis advised that eight LNRs had previously been declared as protected areas due to their special natural interest and educational value. The designation would regulate them as nature reserves, act on the Council’s pledges in conserving and enhancing biodiversity and meet the objectives within the Rushcliffe Nature Conservation Strategy 2026-30. Councillor Inglis referred to the three sites, which had been proposed following requests from their individual supporting management groups, as detailed in paragraph 4.4 in the report, with relevant maps attached at Appendix 1 to the report. He advised that Natural England had been consulted on the proposals and its comments in support of the designation were detailed in paragraph 4.5. Councillor Inglis confirmed that management plans for the site would be overseen by officers, with no direct financial implications to the Council and all prior and post legal requirements would be met, as detailed in paragraph 7.2. He concluded by thanking the Environmental Sustainability Officer and the Ecology and Diversity Assistant for their hard work and dedication.

Councillor J Wheeler was pleased to second the recommendation and hoped going forward that more LNRs would be designated.

Councillor Brennan stated that it was pleasing to support a proposal that would be protecting Rushcliffe’s green spaces.

It was RESOLVED that Cabinet approve for a Declaration to be made designating the land at The Green Line, West Bridgford; Meadow Park, East Leake and Springdale Wood, East Bridgford (shown hatched on the plans in Appendix 1 to the report) as Local Nature Reserves pursuant to Section 21 of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949.