We are redesigning our website to make it easier for you to access our services online.
This is happening in phases so you'll start to notice some parts of the website looking different.
Biodiversity net gain became mandatory for major and non-major development made under under the Town and Country Planning Act (TCPA) 1990, subject to the exemptions or transitional provisions set out below.
Eligible developments must meet the mandatory requirement of a minimum 10% biodiversity net gain over the pre-development biodiversity value of the site.
a statement as to whether the planning permission, if granted, would be subject to the biodiversity gain condition. Applicants are expected in this statement to set out what exemption(s) or transitional provision(s) apply to the development
proposed date of the pre-development (baseline) biodiversity value, if this is before the date of submission, as the planning authority needs to agree to this date
a scaled plan showing the pre-development (baseline) on-site habitat
confirmation of whether there have been any activities (habitat degradation) that would make the baseline biodiversity value lower as a result of the activities. If this is the case, the baseline biodiversity value is taken as immediately before the activities.
The BNG section of the planning application form will help you to provide the minimum information required. We have prepared guidance to help you complete the BNG section of the planning application form.
The metric should be completed by a competent person with specialist knowledge of habitat types and conditions, such as an ecologist, who can advise on the calculations. You can find an ecology consultant on the CIEEM website.
consider how the location of on-site biodiversity relates to adjoining habitats, green corridors or existing green space within the site and beyond the red line boundary
consider how suitable multi-functional biodiversity enhancements can form part of the site’s landscaping and amenity space strategy
undertake all other ecological assessments. Biodiversity net gain does not replace any of the existing wildlife protections and we must still address any potential ecological impacts in planning decisions.
Applicants are encouraged to submit as much information on their post-development BNG proposals as possible with their application.
This will support consideration of whether the mandatory minimum 10% BNG is achievable, provide understanding of how the BNG is expected to be delivered (on-site/off-site) and how it will need to be secured, and to meet Local Plan Policy NE1 requirements.
