Photo by Cam James on Unsplash
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is transforming how we think about development and its environmental impact. Now a legal requirement for most developments in England, BNG mandates a 10% net increase in biodiversity following construction. While it brings environmental benefits, it also introduces complexity for planners and developers.
The importance of Biodiversity Net Gain
At its core, BNG is about reversing biodiversity loss and creating thriving habitats alongside human development. It’s a central area of the Government’s Environment Plan and sits firmly within planning policy.
Incorporating BNG early in the planning process can bring considerable advantages including richer green spaces, improved community wellbeing and reputational benefits for developers committed to being more sustainable.
Incorporating BNG into planning is not plain sailing
However, the journey to embedding BNG isn’t without its challenges. As we discussed at our recent Breakfast Briefing at The Old Fire Station, Oxford, the industry is grappling with the practical application of the legislation, site limitations and competing planning objectives.
Some of the insights that Auroch’s Ecology shared around some of the more technical issues, included:
- Interpreting de minimis thresholds
- Navigating post-development habitat condition disputes
- Agreeing the extent of information that needs to be submitted with a planning application (vs post-consent)
- Inconsistent definition of ‘significant’ habitats
The session revealed the friction that can occur between ecological aspirations and some of the practicalities that come with planning and development, especially when it comes to constrained or urban sites. Add to this some of the commercial pressures developers face and it becomes even trickier to maintain the balance.
Biodiversity Net Gain: the changes
Since BNG became mandatory in 2024, guidance continues to shift. The Government has made updates to clarify exemptions, habitat scoring and off site credits. Meanwhile, local authorities are applying BNG policies with varying levels of ambition and interpretation so consistency becomes a real challenge.
On a more positive note, what we are seeing is more collaboration as ecologists, planners and developers are increasingly working together to understand and implement BNG in a way that is both pragmatic and locally sensitive.
Best practice
So what does best practice look like? Here are some of the practical solutions that don’t hamper development but still have a positive impact on the environment and biodiversity.
Early engagement with ecologists to shape viable solutions right from the outset. Engaging ecological consultants early in the planning process makes it easier to navigate evolving BNG legislation, spot any potential site constraints and incorporate biodiversity enhancements at the planning stage in a way that will not hinder client’s long-term objectives and aspirations.
- Introducing innovative design features like green roofs, habitat corridors and wildlife-friendly landscaping.
- Continued knowledge sharing like our Breakfast briefing, case studies and policy briefings inform thinking and solutions for achieving biodiversity net gains.
- Collaboration between planners, developers, and ecologists. Some of the Edgars examples that Aurochs showcased at the recent Breakfast Briefing demonstrated how strong collaboration helped resolve disputes on post development condition compliance, removed ambiguities during planning and addressed conflicting local authority interpretations
- Stay informed and adaptive. Regulation is still evolving so best practice also needs to evolve with it. Staying up to date with policy updates and peer networks is key.
Every development and habitat is different so there’s no silver bullet but as with a lot of planning considerations, a proactive and informed approach will help avoid issues later on that could derail development.
BNG is here to stay
BNG is certainly not going anywhere and despite some of the challenges that come with the legislation it does ultimately lead to a more sustainable and resilient development. At Edgars, we’re seeing the benefits of early collaboration and are helping clients to integrate BNG into their plans.
As updates to policy are made, flexibility becomes increasingly important. Whether you’re a local authority, landowner or developer, taking a considerate and collaborative approach will position you well as BNG evolves.
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