What is BNG?
In our blog post last year, we looked at biodiversity net gain and how it might affect the development process, as the government considers ways to restore nature in the face of rapid biodiversity decline. Put simply, any development must leave biodiversity in a better state than before.
Why is BNG important now?
From November 2023, BNG considerations will be mandatory on most Town and Country Planning Act developments and Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects. But as we said last year, it’s crucial to start building BNG into plans and strategies as soon as possible, as developers will need to consider it from the site selection/outline design stage.
Find out more about how we can help developers with their obligations or get in touch via our enquiry form.
Our terrestrial ecology team also work with landowners and LPAs to identify potential net gain sites and establish their baseline value. By starting habitat improvement works in advance of November 2023, landowners could add value by doubling the number of units available for sale.
Further information
If you’re looking for more information about how BNG will work, read Natural England’s brochure. Although the details of the function of biodiversity net gain are still in development, Natural England provide an overview of how BNG will be implemented from differing perspectives.
Marian Spain, Chief Executive, Nature England commented:
As the twin climate and ecological crises deepen there is an increasing need to accelerate nature recovery, for our planet, our wildlife and our communities. Biodiversity net gain offers a new route for development of homes, businesses and infrastructure to play its part in enabling nature to thrive, and to deliver nature-based solutions to climate change, water and air quality and flood risks. It can also help level up access to nature and provide accessible green space on the doorstep of new homes and further afield.
