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Biodiversity net gain (BNG) is an approach to development, and/or land management, that aims to leave the natural environment in a measurably better state than it was beforehand.
The word ‘biodiversity’ comes from the term ‘biological diversity’. It refers to the variety of all living organisms, including animals, insects, plants, bacteria, and fungi. A habitat is the area and resources used by a living organism or assemblage of animals and plants.
Biodiversity Net Gain delivers measurable improvements for biodiversity by creating or enhancing habitats in association with development. Biodiversity net gain can be achieved on-site, off-site or through a combination of on-site and off-site measures.
For a simple overview, view Natural England's Introduction to Biodiversity Net Gain on YouTube, above.
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:
With Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) now mandated (as of February 12th, 2024), 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’s planning permission was submitted before the onset of mandatory BNG, the development is exempt from BNG regulations. This exemption recognises the projects that were in progress before the implementation of BNG, offering them a transition period.
Variations of Planning Permissions
Transitional arrangements also apply to variations of existing planning permission. Developers seeking variations to existing permissions can benefit from exemptions, ensuring continuity in their projects. Detailed information on these arrangements can be found in the planning practice guidance.
Small Developments (Exempt until 02/04/2024)
Small-scale developments, as defined by the Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015, are exempt from BNG until 2nd April 2024. This exemption covers residential and commercial projects below specified thresholds, providing flexibility for smaller developments.
Householder Applications
Applications made by householders, including projects such as home extensions, conservatories, or loft conversions, are exempt from BNG regulations. This exemption recognises the scale and nature of household projects, acknowledging their minimal impact on biodiversity.
Self-Build and Custom Build Applications
Exemptions apply to self-build and custom build developments meeting specific criteria, including limitations on the number of dwellings and site area. This exemption encourages individualised housing projects while ensuring compliance with BNG objectives.
Biodiversity Gain Site
Developments undertaken primarily to fulfil BNG planning conditions for another project are exempt from BNG regulations. This exemption streamlines the process for the projects directly contributing to biodiversity gains.
High-Speed Rail Transport Network
Developments forming part of or ancillary to the high-speed railway transport network are exempt from BNG requirements. This exemption acknowledges the strategic importance of transportation infrastructure projects.
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.
The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) states:
174: Planning policies and decisions should contribute to and enhance the natural and local environment by: [...]
d. minimising impacts on and providing net gains for biodiversity, including by establishing coherent ecological networks that are more resilient to current and future pressures
179: Plans should: [...]
b. promote the conservation, restoration and enhancement of priority habitats, ecological networks and the protection and recovery of priority species; and identify and pursue opportunities for securing measurable net gains for biodiversity and development whose primary objective is to conserve or enhance biodiversity should be supported; while opportunities to incorporate biodiversity improvements in and around developments should be encouraged, especially where this can secure measurable net gains for biodiversity.
180: When determining planning applications, local planning authorities should apply the following principles: [...]
d. development whose primary objective is to conserve or enhance biodiversity should be supported; while opportunities to improve biodiversity in and around developments should be integrated as part of their design, especially where this can secure measurable net gains for biodiversity or enhance public access to nature where this is appropriate.
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:
Get in touch now to get advice from our experts on how we can work together to deliver BNG on your project.
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