The objective of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is to make sure development has a measurably positive impact on biodiversity, compared to what was there before.  

 

In England, BNG became mandatory on 12th February 2024 for major developments and April 2024 for minor developments, under Schedule 7A of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as inserted by Schedule 14 of the Environment Act 2021).  Developers must deliver a measurable BNG of at least 10%.  Some Local Planning Authorities require developments deliver a measurable BNG of greater than 10%.  

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At aLyne Ecology, we have been carrying out BNG Assessments since the Defra Biodiversity Metric was introduced.  We can advise on how BNG can be achieved through the biodiversity gain hierarchy; the sooner BNG is considered as part of the development design, the easier it is to achieve BNG on site.

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A Preliminary Ecological Appraisal is required before a BNG Assessment can be carried out because the findings of the PEA inform part of the BNG Assessment.  A Habitat Condition Assessment is required to assess the condition of the exisitng baseline habitats on site.  This information informs the BNG Calculations.  ​

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A detailed and scaled Landscape Plan is required to complete the BNG Assessment because this information informs the BNG Calculations.  

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The BNG Calculations determine whether the development proposals will result in a net gain or net loss in biodiversity.  More information about the BNG and what your options are if you have a net loss can be found in our blog here.  

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​Your development may be exempt from BNG – you can find out here.  

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Our team of specialists are here to help you through the BNG process.  Please get in touch to find out more.    

 

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