Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)

Working with all LPAs across Gloucestershire we have produced guidance below to help applicants and developers with our approach to BNG assessment within the planning process. 

Guidance on delivering Biodiversity Net Gain for planning applicants and developers in Gloucestershire

Biodiversity Net Gain is an approach to development which means that habitats for wildlife must beleft in a measurably better state than they were before the development occurred.

Achieving BNG means that habitats will need to be extended or improved as part of the development process. Developments will need to be designed in such a way that provides benefits to both people and nature and also reduces impacts on the wider environment.

Under the Environment Act 2021, all planning permissions granted in England, with a few exemptions, will have to deliver a minimum 10% biodiversity net gain starting in in 2024. BNG will need be measured using the relevant Statutory Biodiversity Metric. Avoiding impacts on biodiversity is the first priority, and BNG should be delivered on site where possible, and off-site a last resort. BNG will need to be secured and monitored for at least 30 years.

The Nature Recovery Networking mapping helps Gloucestershire’s LPAs to comply with the NPPF by showing the prioritised distribution of opportunities for creating a more resilient network of habitats for people and nature. The maps can be viewed here:
https://naturalcapital.gcerdata.com/

Further site/project specific input can be provided via our pre-application service.

Current Government announcement indicates the delivery of BNG will become mandatory from:

• 12th February 2024 for Major Site applications
• 2nd April 2024 for Minor Site applications