BNG Local Plan Policy NE1

The Dover District Local Plan was adopted in October 2024. Local Plan Policy NE1 – Biodiversity Net Gain sets out local considerations to be addressed in the delivery of mandatory biodiversity net gain. 

 

Policy NE1 - Biodiversity Net Gain 

 

1. Development proposals must provide a minimum of 10% biodiversity net gain (BNG).

2. Proposals for BNG should be delivered on-site, taking into account local green infrastructure priorities set out in the Local Nature Recovery Strategy, the Dover District Green Infrastructure Strategy and the Kent Biodiversity Strategy. Only if it can be demonstrated that ecologically meaningful BNG that contributes to the local green infrastructure network cannot be practically and/or feasibly achieved within the site boundary, will the Council consider off-site alternatives in line with the biodiversity gain hierarchy.

3. Where off-site biodiversity gain is proposed, the Kent and Medway Local Nature Recovery Strategy, once published, should be used to guide the locations of BNG. In addition,the following locational hierarchy should be followed where possible:

(i) Within Dover District;

(ii) Within neighbouring local authority areas;

(iii) Within Kent and Medway;

(iv) Within the North Downs or North Kent Plain National Character Area;

(v) Elsewhere in England.

Only when it is demonstrated that there is no possibility of delivering BNG within the above locational hierarchy will the purchase of statutory credits be supported.

4. Development proposals must provide sufficient BNG information to satisfy the Council that the BNG requirement is capable of being successfully discharged. This should include a draft Biodiversity Gain Plan and draft Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan that follow the DEFRA and Natural England templates which should also include the following local considerations:

(i) The method of BNG delivery (for example on or off site);

(ii) Evidence to demonstrate that the biodiversity gain hierarchy and locational hierarchy set out in criteria 3 of this Policy has been followed;

(iii) The Statutory Biodiversity Metric should have regard to the Interim Strategic Significance Guidance for BNG in Kent and Medway (as updated), until superseded by the Local Nature Recovery Strategy;

(iv) Where baseline habitat of high or very high distinctiveness is retained on-site, the draft Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan should include proposals to secure its management to ensure that no deterioration would occur that results in reduced overall BNG; 

(v) In deciding whether any on-site BNG is ‘significant’regard shall be had to local guidance on its definition, to inform future management and monitoring requirements.

5. BNG proposals will be secured by condition and/or legal agreement with the Council or a conservation covenant with a responsible body. Where legal agreements are with the Council this will include a requirement to cover the Council’s costs associated with the long-term monitoring of the BNG delivery.

6. Proposals to create biodiversity sites inappropriate locations, including biodiversity enhancement sites and sites associated with delivering the key outcomes of the Dover Green Infrastructure Strategy, and the Local Nature Recovery Strategy when published, will be supported.

7. The Council will encourage BNG that helps deliver nature-based solutions to climate change as well as biodiversity loss, such as the restoration and creation of ecosystems to protect shorelines, protect communities from flooding, or increasing carbon sequestration.