What is Biodiversity Net Gain?
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is a method used to assign biodiversity value to the habitats on site and quantify the net change in biodiversity value of a site post-development. The aim of this method is to provide a way to mitigate for loss of habitats as a result of a development. This biodiversity value is worked out through a combination of a field survey to establish the type and condition of habitats present and the use of the statutory metric to work out the difference in biodiversity value pre- and post-development.
For planning applications, the developer has to show how the site will achieve a 10% net gain. This net gain could be delivered onsite, offsite through land owned by the developer or through the purchasing of biodiversity credits.
Once planning permission has been granted, two conditions will be imposed on this permission. The first of which will be the requirement for a Biodiversity Gain Plan which will detail the following:
- the post-development biodiversity value of the development’s onsite habitat is accurate based on the approved plans and drawings for the development;
- any offsite biodiversity gains have been registered and allocated to the development; and
- biodiversity credits, if they are necessary for the development, have been purchased.
The second condition, which will only be applied if there are significant biodiversity gains post-development onsite, will be the requirement for a Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan. This plan will detail how the onsite habitats will be managed and secured for the next 30 years to ensure the biodiversity net gains at the site is secured.
Legal Requirement
As of the 12th February 2024, in England, BNG is mandatory under Schedule 7A of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as inserted by Schedule 14 of the Environment Act 2021), unless the development is exempt. Developers are required to deliver a minimum of a 10% net gain in biodiversity value at the site for every new development.
How We Can Help
The ECOSA team have experience with undertaking Biodiversity Net Gain Assessments using the statutory metric to support planning applications. We are able to work with developers to minimise loss of biodiversity on site and provide advice on how offsite solutions could be used.
Once planning permission is granted, ECOSA are also able to help in producing a Biodiversity Gain Plan and a Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan.