Biodiversity Net Gain
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is set to become an integral part of moving forward with all planning applications and how Local Planning Authorities make decisions. It is an approach to development which aims to leave the natural environment in a measurably better state than beforehand.
The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) currently puts responsibility on Local Planning Authorities to integrate net gains for biodiversity into their policies and decision making processes. This has traditionally included incorporating ecological enhancements within the development design.
The Environmental Bill provides the mandate to take net gains for biodiversity a step further within development. All planning permission will be subject to a mandatory condition that development may not begin before the approval of a suitable biodiversity plan.
How does Biodiversity Net Gain work?
BNG is a habitats based approach. A threshold of at least 10% increase of the site’s baseline ecology maintained for 30 years must be demonstrated and secured within the plan for most developments covered by the Town and Country Planning Act.
Demonstrating Biodiversity Net Gain
Your scheme can demonstrate BNG by submitting a ‘biodiversity net gain plan’ which will be based upon the measurement of pre and post-construction biodiversity levels, using Natural England’s ‘Biodiversity Metric 3.0 or local authority equivalents.
The survey process to inform the BNG assessment is as follows:
- A field survey using the UK Habitat Classification system is undertaken at the site. This usually forms part of a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) for the proposed development
- Landscaping plans are reviewed against the baseline habitat collected at the site
- The baseline data and the landscape plans are converted into ‘biodiversity units’ using a biodiversity metric, including any off-site compensation and biodiversity credit
- Biodiversity Net Gain or loss is then calculated and is normally reported as a percentage
Achieving Biodiversity Net Gain
Achieving BNG presents a significant conceptual change in how many schemes approach biodiversity with regard to development.
It will become key for project management teams to incorporate BNG at the project inception to ensure its success and increase the likelihood of their scheme being granted consent.
What next?
Once you have received our Biodiversity Net Gain plan or report, this can be used for submission with a planning application.
It is important to note that BNG assessments do not include any other ecological constraints that may have been identified during a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal, such as protected species surveys. These will require separate assessments for submission with a planning application.
Helping to address the ecological
and climate crisis
At Arun Ecology it’s not all just about driving business. We want to contribute to addressing the challenges of our time to ensure a prosperous future for the next generation.
So, as part of our service, each time you commission us we are committed to planting one tree within the UK, through our partnership with Creating Tomorrow’s Forests.
Watch this space to find out more about how we are contributing to nature recovery and tackling climate change.
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