Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)
From January 2024 new mandatory planning requirements were introduced that affect new applications for major developments, and from April 2024 this also applies to most other development in England. These requirements, under the Environment Act 2021 require qualifying developments to deliver a minimum of 10% BNG.
What is Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)?
Biodiversity is defined as the variety of life on earth.
BNG is a new process in the planning system which will ensure that development will leave the natural environment in a measurably better state than it was before, enhancing the biodiversity value of sites by completion, and creating a net positive impact on the natural environment. BNG will be calculated using a Biodiversity Metric, which the Government has produced.
Biodiversity Report
Public authorities must under section 40A of the Amended Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (NERC Act) evidence the action it takes with regard to biodiversity net gain by the publication of a Biodiversity Report. The report published here is a draft first consideration report and is still subject to agreement by the Council.
Biodiversity Report - First Consideration
All eligible developments are required to provide 10% biodiversity net gain either on site, off site or through tariff payments.
Listed in the spreadsheet are the sites with specific BNG Plans or Biodiversity Enhancement Strategies.
Link to spreadsheet here
The 2026 Biodiversity Duty Report will be published here once it has been approved.
Further Information
Biodiversity Net Gain moves step closer with timetable set out - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
The Biodiversity Metric 4.0 - JP039 (naturalengland.org.uk)