Biodiversity net gain in planning applications

• 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 completed statutory biodiversity metric (opens in new tab) for the pre-development (baseline) biodiversity value of the proposed development site
• 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.

• Guidance for planning application form (opens in new tab)

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.

• Visit the CIEEM website (opens in new tab)

Make sure you:

• use the statutory metric (opens in new tab) as early as possible in the site design process to help avoid biodiversity loss
• follow the biodiversity gain hierarchy (opens in new tab) which prioritises on-site BNG first
• consider how BNG can be optimised at design stage
• 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.