Developers and planners
Developers and Planners have a key role in shaping the local environment and supporting nature recovery in West Northamptonshire.
The strategy provides essential evidence for local plans, identifying where nature recovery efforts should be prioritised and where planning decisions support local biodiversity goals.
When reviewing development proposals, as part of the Local Planning Authority (LPA) ecologist advice, the strategy should also be referred to, in order to ensure projects enhance nature recovery, contributing to the ecological network and wider environment.
The LNRS is an opportunity for developers to demonstrate their commitment to the environment and local communities, by going beyond the basic requirements of Biodiversity Net Gain to restore nature in one of our nation’s most depleted areas.
Planners should use this strategy in conjunction with the Tree and Woods Strategy, Landscape Character Assessment development guidance and other relevant strategies to ensure that new projects enhance and protect local wildlife and green spaces and make a positive contribution to local landscape character and distinctiveness.
Importantly, the LNRS does not place new restrictions on developing land.
This strategy is not intended to be used to stall or stop development. Rather, the LNRS presents a clear shared vision and strategic level opportunities for nature recovery.
User delivery guide
See the user delivery guide document below.
Biodiversity duty and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)
West Northamptonshire Council supports the delivery of the Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) by considering its priorities when making decisions about land management and planning policy. This helps the council meet its biodiversity duty.
One of the aims of the LNRS is to identify where habitat creation, restoration and enhancement would have the greatest benefit for nature. This helps guide biodiversity net gain (BNG) projects, both within development sites and through off-site habitat creation, so that improvements are delivered in the most suitable locations.
For more information, read the strategy document and the Permits, Permissions and Planning support document in the Local Nature Recovery Strategy priorities and habitat map section.
Ecology and wildlife data
Further information and support are available from the following sources:
- visit our ecology and biodiversity webpage for information about wildlife species in relation to planning and development
- contact the Northamptonshire Biodiversity Records Centre (NBRC) for wildlife records, data and other resources
Last updated 25 September 2026