Member

Local nature recovery strategies offer a mechanism for identifying and improving chalk stream habitats, as they will map the most valuable areas for nature, drawing on key environmental evidence such as river basin management plans. Under new Section 12D(11) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004, spatial development strategies are already required to take account of relevant local nature recovery strategies. The noble Earl, Lord Caithness, mentioned road run-off into chalk streams; again, I do not know the exact answer to his question, so I will respond in writing. Where chalk stream protection is of strategic importance, new Section 12D(1) makes it clear that spatial development strategies must include policies on land use and development. I was grateful to the noble Lord, Lord Lansley, for his suggestion about a footnote to the NPPF; I will take that back to the department. It was also great to hear from the noble Lord, Lord Lucas, about the initiative on the part of his brother and other farmers. We welcome that sort of data on water quality.