BIODIVERSITY NET GAIN

BNG

Biodiversity Net Gain services

Lepus provides BNG services including the production of BNG strategies, project-level BNG assessment of small to large-scale sites and the provision on ongoing strategic advice for Local Planning Authorities.

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is a term indicating that biodiversity is measurably better off as a result of a development project compared to the pre-development state, both in terms of species and habitats. 

Whilst legislation protects certain habitats and species, there are limited mechanisms to maintain, enhance and create wildlife outside of these protections. BNG can help achieve an approach to biodiversity management that is bigger, better and more joined up.  

The Environment Act 2021 introduced a legal requirement for most developments to deliver a 10% biodiversity net gain.  Supporting statutory instruments in the form of regulations were published in November 2023.  The requirement to deliver 10% BNG as part of major planning applications commenced on 12th February 2024.   

BNG for smaller sites will become mandatory from April 2024. For residential development, small sites are classified as development with fewer than 10 units on a site of less than one hectare in size.  

Planning applications
Planning applications must be accompanied by a biodiversity statement which should be used to provide information about: 
  • the steps taken or to be taken to minimise the adverse effect of the development on the biodiversity of the on-site habitat and any other habitat 
  • the pre-development biodiversity value of the on-site habitat
  • any registered off-site biodiversity gain allocated to the development 
  • any biodiversity credits proposed to be purchased for the development 
  • the post-development biodiversity value of the on-site habitat for the overall development.
The biodiversity statement should include or be accompanied by:
  • A completed statutory metric Excel spreadsheet 
  • All condition assessment information & date of survey
  •  Full details and qualifications of surveyor competence

Habitat banks
Habitat banking is an approach where investors pay landowners to increase the biodiversity value of their land. Biodiversity uplift is then sold as units to those that need off-site biodiversity net gain. Often habitats are created in advance of the sale of units, meaning this is an ecologically beneficial approach leading to multifunctional benefits.

BNG services
Services offered include:
  • Identification, design and creation of habitat banks
  • Preparation of Habitat Management and Monitoring Plans 
  • BNG Reports for small or large-scale development sites
  • Ongoing strategic BNG support to Local Authorities 
  • Production of BNG Strategies 
  • Planning application review service
  • BNG training

For more information or for answers to your BNG questions, please get in touch with our team at enquiries@lepusconsulting.com.

SAMPLE PROJECTS

Previously completed BNG projects undertaken by Lepus Consulting.

SANDWELL BNG ASESSMENT
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SANG STRATEGY - LONDON BOROUGH OF ENFIELD
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HABITAT BANKS & BNG ASSESSMENT - WOLVERHAMPTON
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