Biodiversity Net Gain – Five Months On

Biodiversity Net Gain – Five Months On

Isabel Ede

Isabel Ede

Jul, 31 2024

It has been five months since the introduction of the mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) in England, with major developments having been subject to mandatory 10% BNG provision since February 2024, and minor developments since April 2024.

For the past three months, almost all new planning applications, with limited exemptions, have been required to demonstrate a minimum 10% increase in biodiversity in comparison to pre-development value.

There are various ways that BNG can be achieved: on-site provision, off-site biodiversity gains or statutory biodiversity credits. Once planning permission is granted, subject to particular exemptions, the permission will require a Biodiversity Gain Plan to be submitted and approved by the local planning authority prior to the commencement of development.

In many areas, however local authorities are now choosing to go beyond the national requirements through the imposition of local policy requirements on BNG.

This is typically seen through higher requirements for BNG provision through emerging local plans. This includes the Uttlesford District Council emerging Local Plan, which is proposing  developments must demonstrate a minimum of 20% Biodiversity Net Gain. Other local planning authorities are setting higher BNG requirements for specific schemes. This can be observed in the Chelmsford City Council emerging Local Plan, which will require the Chelmsford Garden Community and East Chelmsford Garden Community schemes to provide a minimum of 20% Biodiversity Net Gain.

Local planning authorities are also running call for sites exercises to identify potential locations that are available and suitable for off-site BNG contributions. This will ultimately inform emerging local plans. Colchester City Council, for example, are in the process of a BNG Call for Sites as part of their Local Plan Review, which is taking place from 14th June 2024 until 26th July 2024.

Peter Cole, Partner at Ceres Property, and BNG specialist said “BNG continues to offer significant opportunities for landowners. Higher policy requirements are likely to lead to higher demands for BNG land, providing potential and much-needed new income streams for landowners”.

James Firth, Partner at Ceres Property and planning expert, said “Local authorities are increasingly looking to exceed the government’s statutory requirements through new local policies. It is an interesting trend and one that will need to be considered through planning applications and land promotion alike. It shows the importance of developing a strategy for biodiversity gain at the early stages of any planning application project.”

Ceres Property is monitoring the latest BNG news to keep our clients informed on changes to local and national legislation, and the potential impact on new development. Should you have any queries regarding BNG requirements, please do not hesitate to get in touch with the team.

Relevant Service Areas

Related Insights

Rory Baker

Rory Baker

Jul, 28 2023
NEW CONSULTATION LAUNCHED FOR AGRICULTURAL PERMITTED DEVELOPMENT CHANGES

Michael Gove, Secretary of State for Housing and Levelling Up recently announced the Government’s long-term plan for housing as part of the emerging Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill. Whilst the […]

James Firth

Changes for Planning Enforcement

The Government has announced the 25th April 2024 as the date on which significant changes to planning enforcement rules will take effect. The changes, proposed as part of the Levelling-up […]

James Firth

James Firth

Jul, 30 2024
Labour’s National Planning Policy Framework to Deliver 1.5m New Homes

Revisions to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) have today been published by the new Labour Government which aim to deliver radical reforms and a pro-growth planning system to meet […]

Skip to toolbar