Why is Biodiversity Net Gain Important?
The most recent State of Nature report, published in 2019, suggests there has been a 13% decline in the average abundance of wildlife in the UK since the 1970s. This is despite legislation and policy to protect biodiversity and wildlife.
Although certain sites and species are protected, there are limited mechanisms to value, maintain, enhance and create wildlife habitats beyond protected sites. As a result, most habitats continue to be lost to development, reducing nature's ability to connect and thrive.
BNG is additional to existing habitat and species protections. BNG aims to create new habitat as well as enhance existing habitats.
Nature is important in its own right, but it is also is essential for the processes that support all life on Earth, including humans. The natural environment provides benefits to us all through 'ecosystem services'.
For local authorities, BNG links to a range of agendas including:
- addressing the climate emergency
- place-making
- green infrastructure
- access to greenspace and nature
- mental and physical health and wellbeing
- flood resilience
- improving air quality
Is your development exempt from BNG?
With Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) now mandated, it’s imperative to understand the exemptions that exist within this regulatory framework.
While BNG represents a significant step forward in sustainable development and environmental protection, exemptions are in place to accommodate specific circumstances. Below we explore the various exemptions outlined by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA), shedding light in who and what is exempt from BNG requirements.
Existing planning applications
If a planning application for a development was made before day one of mandatory BNG on 12 February 2024, the development is exempt from BNG.
Variations of planning permission
Transitional arrangements also apply for variations to existing planning permissions. There is more information in the planning practice guidance.
Developments below the threshold
A development that does not impact a priority habitat and impacts less than:
- 25 square metres (5m by 5m) of on-site habitat
- 5 metres of on-site linear habitats such as hedgerows
A development ‘impacts’ a habitat if it decreases the biodiversity value.
Find out more about this exemption.
Householder applications
These are applications made by householders as defined within article 2(1) of the Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015.
It includes, for example, small projects like home extensions, conservatories or loft conversions.
Self-build and custom build applications
You must meet all of the following conditions to qualify for an exemption as a self-build or custom build.
The development must:
- consist of no more than 9 dwellings
- be on a site that has an area no larger than 0.5 hectares
- consist exclusively of dwellings that are self-build or custom housebuilding as defined in section 1(A1) of the Self-build and Custom Housebuilding Act 2015
Find out more about what qualifies as self-build and custom housebuilding.
Biodiversity gain site
Developments undertaken mainly for the purpose of fulfilling the BNG planning condition for another development are exempt.
Need Advice?
Do you have a Biodiversity Net Gain query, or development subject to BNG?
Get in touch with us at office@ecologyessex.co.uk with any BNG related enquiries and one of our experienced team will be available to help.
How can we help?
Get in touch with us as soon as possible, as we are able to offer expert advice that will maximise the smooth and cost-effective delivery of BNG.
We have experience of delivering net gain on projects ranging from major infrastructure schemes to small urban developments, and in resolving significant constraints to delivery.
Our specialist ecologists are well equipped to provide services in relation to BNG, including:
- initial advice to inform site selection and to establish options and feasibility for achieving BNG on-site and scope for off-site provision;
- baseline surveys and condition assessments to inform outline design and provide data pre-development metric calculations for BNG;
- design input, often as part of multi-disciplinary teams, to help create high-quality schemes that deliver demonstrable benefits for biodiversity;
- preparing and monitoring site-specific biodiversity management and maintenance plans; and
- engaging with stakeholders and consultees involved in BNG including statutory bodies, planning authorities and voluntary sector organisations.
Contact Us
Get in touch now to get advice from our experts on how we can work together to deliver BNG on your project.