Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is a relatively new process required in the preparation and submission of planning applications in England.
We set about understanding precisely this process, what it means for development, where and when it applies and how it should be approached. Although we imagine you guessed that from the headline.
BNG is site and situation-specific, as no two sites are the same. So, understanding the fundamentals is...well, fundamental.
What is Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)?
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is now a legal requirement for all developments in England (The Environment Act 2021). Its purpose is to require all development in England to produce more or better quality natural habitats. Its goal is to restore and enhance natural habitats and provide wildlife-rich environments for people to access.
The term has been circulating throughout consultancies in England since at least 2021 when it was formally delivered into law in the Environment Act.
At its roots, the policy appeared through the Lawton Review (2010) recommendations that the government develop and implement a strategy to deliver a green and prosperous future. This was subsequently incorporated into the Government's 25-year Environmental Plan and Environmental Improvement Plan (2018) before making its way into provisions within the Environment Act.
So, why is the process new, and hasn't it been in planning practice since 2021?
The requirement has been known since its inclusion in the 2021 Act, but its precise method of delivery and measurement is relatively new. BNG provisions in the Act came into effect in late 2023 to allow agencies time to formulate its delivery, and further requirements in the act have been rolled out in stages (or exemptions) until April 2024.
The statutory (official) biodiversity metric is the way of measuring biodiversity value for the purposes of BNG. This measures all types of habitat, including:
grassland
hedgerows
lakes
woodland
watercourses such as rivers and streams
For BNG, biodiversity is measured in standardised biodiversity units. The statutory biodiversity metric measures the biodiversity value of habitats by calculating the number of biodiversity units.
It calculates:
how many units a habitat contains before development takes place
how many units are needed to replace the units of habitat lost and to achieve 10% BNG, through the creation or enhancement of habitat
The formula takes different factors into account, including the habitat’s:
size
condition
strategic significance
type
For created or enhanced habitats, the formula also takes account of:
difficulty of creation or enhancement
the time it takes a habitat to reach its target condition
distance from the habitat loss
Where & When is BNG Applied?
As of April 2024, BNG applies to all developments in England.
This includes both large and small sites, with specific timelines for implementation:
Major Developments: (Over 10 planning units) Required from January 2024.
Small Sites: (under 10 planning units) Required to meet BNG standards from April 2024.
As of January 2024, major developments are required to achieve a minimum of 10% BNG. This requirement extends to small sites from April 2024.
How to Achieve BNG
Achieving BNG involves a series of structured steps to ensure that development activities enhance rather than diminish biodiversity.
Here’s how developers and planners can navigate this process:
Early Engagement & Assessment:
Engage with Local Planning Authorities: Initiating dialogue with planning authorities at the outset can provide clarity on BNG expectations and help align project plans with local biodiversity priorities. Early engagement can also streamline the approval process and highlight potential challenges before detailed planning begins. This can include pre-application submissions, where planners can provide specific advice on biodiversity requirements and where they may accept them; whether on site or elsewhere.
Engage with Local Planning Authorities: Initiating dialogue with planning authorities at the outset can provide clarity on BNG expectations and help align project plans with local biodiversity priorities. Early engagement can also streamline the approval process and highlight potential challenges before detailed planning begins. This can include pre-application submissions, where planners can provide specific advice on biodiversity requirements and where they may accept them; whether on site or elsewhere.
Baseline Biodiversity Assessment: This involves carrying out a baseline assessment using Defra's Biodiversity Metric 4.0. This involves cataloguing existing habitats and species to quantify the site's biodiversity value pre-development. Accurate baseline data is crucial for setting realistic and achievable net gain targets and for identifying opportunities for onsite enhancements. The assessment typically includes surveys of flora and fauna, habitat quality, and ecological connectivity.
2. Developing a BNG Strategy:
BNG can be delivered on-site where there is sufficient quality space to accommodate the net gain required. But this is not always possible. Off-site provision of natural high-quality habitats is therefore possible through registered biodiversity gain sites. Let's consider what on-site gains and off-site gains may feature:
Onsite Gains:
Green Roofs and Walls: Implementing green roofs and walls can significantly enhance biodiversity by providing habitats for birds, insects, and plants. These features also help in managing rainwater, improving air quality, and reducing the urban heat island effect.
Wildlife Corridors: Creating corridors that connect different habitat patches helps maintain ecological networks and supports species movement and gene flow. This is particularly important in fragmented landscapes where isolated habitats can limit species survival.
Native Planting Schemes: Using native plants in landscaping can support local wildlife, improve soil health, and enhance the site's ecological value. Native plants are typically well-adapted to local conditions and provide food and shelter for indigenous species. Offsite Solutions:
Biodiversity Credits: Developers can purchase credits from accredited biodiversity offset providers. These credits fund specific conservation projects that create or enhance habitats, ensuring that the biodiversity impact of the development is offset elsewhere. The providers of these credits are usually regulated to ensure the ecological benefits are genuine and long-lasting.
Habitat Banking: This involves creating or restoring habitats before development. These 'banked' biodiversity units can then be used to offset future impacts. Habitat banks are typically managed by conservation organisations or local authorities, ensuring long-term ecological benefits. For instance, a developer might invest in the restoration of a degraded wetland, which then serves as a credit bank for future projects.
Local Conservation Projects: Investing directly in local conservation projects can also achieve BNG. These projects should be in line with local biodiversity action plans and have clear, measurable outcomes. This approach often involves partnerships with local wildlife trusts or community groups, ensuring that the benefits are felt within the community and that projects have strong local support.
3. Monitoring and Maintenance:
Once the delivery mechanism for the BNG is formulated for the application site, the habitat must be monitored and maintained. This will likely include:
Robust Monitoring Plan: A comprehensive monitoring plan should be developed that includes regular surveys and assessments to track the progress of biodiversity enhancements. This helps ensure that the net gains are being realised and maintained. Monitoring should be adaptive, allowing for modifications based on observed outcomes.
Adaptive Management: Incorporate adaptive management strategies that allow for adjustments based on monitoring results. This flexibility ensures that any issues can be addressed promptly, maintaining the integrity of the biodiversity gains over time. Adaptive management might include changing plant species, modifying management practices, or enhancing connectivity between habitats.
Long-term Management Plans: Establish long-term management and funding plans to sustain biodiversity gains. This might include setting up endowments or agreements with local conservation groups to manage the site in perpetuity. Long-term plans should outline who is responsible for ongoing management, the funding mechanisms, and the specific actions needed to maintain or enhance biodiversity.
The above shall be in place for registered biodiversity sites for off-site provision for a period of at least 30 years. However long term plans must be considered where providing on site BNG and this may be conserved through covenant or legal planning obligation such as an S106 Agreement.
Benefits of BNG
Despite the challenges, the benefits of BNG are significant. Enhanced ecosystems and restored natural habitats lead to healthier environments that support diverse species and ecological processes. Improved biodiversity can increase ecosystem resilience, making landscapes more capable of withstanding environmental changes and pressures. Improved green spaces contribute to public well-being, providing recreational areas and enhancing the quality of life. These benefits can also increase property values and attract investment. Green spaces can provide mental and physical health benefits, support community cohesion, and offer educational opportunities. Aligning development with environmental goals fosters a balanced and sustainable growth model. BNG ensures that development projects contribute positively to the environment, creating a legacy of biodiversity enhancement. This approach can also improve the reputation of developers and attract environmentally-conscious investors and customers.
Challenges and Considerations
Achieving BNG can be complex. It requires thorough planning, local adaptations, and long-term commitment. A detailed and forensic approach to planning helps to identify potential challenges early and develop strategies to overcome them. Effective planning involves multidisciplinary teams, including ecologists, planners, and developers working together from early in the project. Tailoring the BNG strategy to local ecological contexts can enhance its effectiveness and acceptance. Local adaptations may involve working with local biodiversity action plans, considering regional species of concern, and aligning with local conservation priorities. Ensuring that biodiversity gains are maintained over decades, not just during the construction phase, involves ongoing management, monitoring, and funding mechanisms to sustain the gains. This commitment is crucial for ensuring that the initial investments in biodiversity are not lost over time due to neglect or inadequate management.
Resources
A range of resources, including here at Rubix Planning, are available to assist in the transition to BNG. These resources provide critical support for understanding, planning, and effectively implementing BNG strategies.
Biodiversity Net Gain is a transformative policy that integrates environmental sustainability into the heart of the planning process. By embracing BNG, planners and developers not only comply with new legal requirements but also contribute to creating healthier, more resilient ecosystems. While the journey to achieving BNG is complex, the long-term benefits for biodiversity and communities make it a valuable and necessary endeavor.
For more detailed guidelines and resources, speak with Rubix Planning today.
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