Biodiversity Net Gain
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) became mandatory on the 12th of February 2024 for all major planning applications in England (bar a few exemptions), with all minor development also being mandatory from the 2nd of April 2024. This new law requires all developments to deliver a 10% net gain in biodiversity which in essence means all developments must leave a site 10% better for biodiversity than before the project started.
BNG is calculated using a metric developed by Natural England that sees ecologists using a variety of factors such as habitat type, condition, area, and strategic location to assess a sites value. The use of GIS mapping pre and post development results in an output from the metric in biodiversity units that are also expressed as a percentage net gain or loss.
If the development falls short of the required position then offsetting may be used on an alternative site. All measures securing the net gain both on and off site will need to be secured in a legal agreement that covers management and monitoring for a minimum period of 30 years.
GE have considerable expertise on delivering BNG advice having completed over 500 assessments of live development schemes, provided external training courses and input on local government guidance.
GE are working in partnership with BioGains (www.Bio-Gains.co.uk) to provide offsetting solutions for developers across the South West. If you have a requirement for onsite or offsite solutions please get in touch.