Boost nature's benefits with biodiversity net gain.
What is Biodiversity?
Biodiversity encompasses all life forms, ranging from plants and animals to fungi and microscopic bacteria, interwoven with the natural systems that sustain them. It serves as the foundation for crucial environmental processes, regulating our world and enhancing our existence. Biodiversity is not merely a desirable addition to modern life but an indispensable ally in preserving environmental health, and supporting our economy, culture, and overall well-being.
What is Biodiversity Net Gain?
Biodiversity net gain (BNG) ensures that development yields a quantifiably positive impact ('net gain') on biodiversity. This approach mandates developers to augment suitable natural habitats and ecological features beyond those affected, aiming to halt the ongoing loss of biodiversity due to development and restore ecological networks on a landscape scale.
Why is BNG Important for Developers/Local Planning Authorities (LPAs)/Land Managers?
In England, a minimum 10% BNG target becomes compulsory for most developments starting February 12, 2024, mandated by Schedule 7A of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as inserted within Section 14 of the Environment Act 2021). BNG will become obligatory for 'Small sites' from April 2024 and for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) from November 2025.
BNG Assessments
In essence, a biodiversity net gain assessment evaluates the biodiversity value of a site before and after development, determining the required amount and type(s) of new or enhanced habitat to achieve sufficient biodiversity net gain. Baseline habitat data is collected using the UK Habitat Classification (UKHab) methodology. The biodiversity metric calculator tool categorizes and allocates habitat types, conditions, distinctiveness, and strategic significance values, providing a baseline biodiversity value (referred to as Biodiversity Units) before development. Biodiversity Units are divided into Habitat Units (HU), Hedgerow Units (HeU), and Watercourse Units (WU). The assessment applies the mitigation hierarchy, trading rules, and BNG Good Practice Principles, while also considering protected species considerations and surveys.
Applying the Mitigation Hierarchy
Development designs and BNG processes should prioritize maximizing on-site BNG delivery. If sufficient BNG cannot be achieved on-site, off-site measures, following the mitigation hierarchy, can be implemented, with a focus on avoidance, mitigation, and compensation. Off-site measures must adhere to a spatial hierarchy and ensure habitat maintenance for at least 30 years.
Planning
Biodiversity net gain is integrated into the planning process through a pre-commencement condition known as the general biodiversity gain condition. A Biodiversity Gain Plan, including metric tool calculations and pre/post-development plans, must be approved by the planning authority before development begins.
Key Take Home Messages
Utilize the Statutory Biodiversity Metric for applicable development sites after the 10% BNG target becomes mandatory. Engage with ecologists early to assess viability and explore constraints and opportunities. Preserve pre-baseline survey data to avoid default application of highest habitat value. Consider the construction phase and site operation regarding habitat retention. Ensure offsite compensation commitments through a 30-year Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan (HMMP). Recognize that BNG assessments extend beyond metrics to include trading rules, good practice principles, and the mitigation hierarchy. Failure to consider BNG during viability/design stages can result in costly consequences.
Black Adder BNG can support you throughout the biodiversity net gain assessment process to meet the statutory 10% biodiversity net gain target or secure off-site compensation, fostering resilience within developments for future prosperity. For further assistance, please contact us.