Biodiversity Net Gain

Sustainable development sits high on the political agenda which makes improving biodiversity a key driver for developers, land owners and local planning authorities alike. Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is an approach used to improve a sites biodiversity value. Once applied, on completion, a site will have a positive ecological impact, delivering improvements through habitat creation or enhancement after avoiding or mitigating harm.

What is Biodiversity Net Gain?

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) sits within the Environment Bill which is on track to gain royal assent later this year.

Once in force, the bill will require all development schemes to deliver a mandatory 10% biodiversity net gain to be maintained for a period of at least 30 years. The concept seeks measurable improvements for biodiversity by creating or enhancing habitats in association with development. Development proposals must “leave biodiversity in a better state than before”.

But even in advance of the Act, BNG is being required now by Local Planning Authorities that have the appropriate policy framework in place.

What does Biodiversity Net Gain mean for developers and land owners?

BNG means, moving forward, developers and land owners will have to ensure their projects deliver biodiversity improvements to meet the required 10% increase.

They are already being asked to determine and evidence a project’s final BNG value using the specified Defra biodiversity metric if they want their plans to move through the planning process swiftly.

Many local planning authorities are already requesting that plans allow for these requirements and, as a result, it is recommended that developers consider how their current projects may be affected by these proposals to prevent costly delays down the line.

How to achieve Biodiversity Net Gain

To achieve biodiversity net gain, proposals must follow the ‘mitigation hierarchy’ which compels planning applicants to avoid harm in the first instance, then mitigate or finally compensate for losses on-site, off-site or through a combination of the two solutions. These measures will be required in planning conditions.

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Free webinar: how to approach Biodiversity Net Gain

The future of development is Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) - failing to prepare could be a costly mistake. In this webinar Mike Barker, Director of Ecology, helps clients to prepare by demonstrating how to integrate biodiversity net gain into development plans, avoid costly mistakes and effectively and legally manage a site to achieve maximum value.

Use the form below to watch our webinar now

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Common Biodiversity Net Gain challenges and how to avoid them

Our BNG experience has highlighted a number of issues and pitfalls that can pose a real threat to project success. To help avoid costly delays, we've put together a series of short video blogs to address some of the complexities that may arise when applying BNG on site.

Watch now

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Free Biodiversity Net Gain CPD sessions for your business

BNG is a complex matter and, at first glance, can seem daunting. To help get you and your team ready ahead of its official mandate later this year, we can provide an informative CPD webinar covering everything you and your team need to know about BNG and its mechanisms for delivery.

To find out more about our online webinar, get in touch using the form below.

Listen up...

Mike Barker, Director of Ecology was invited to join Bidwells’ Head of Rural Investment, Roland Bull to discuss how developers can prepare themselves for BNG when it comes into force later this year. Listen in and find out more...