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ARTICLE · 10 SEPTEMBER 2024

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) – What Is It And When Does It Apply?

Stephens Scown
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Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) became mandatory in 2024, requiring developers to improve natural habitats by 10% compared to pre-development conditions. Developers can achieve BNG on-site, off-site, or by purchasing biodiversity credits. BNG compliance is secured for 30 years through planning agreements.

United KingdomEnvironment
Stephen Alcock
Stephen Alcock

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) became mandatory for nearly all types of development earlier this year, bringing with it a new wave of considerations for developers which may affect the viability of developments. This article provides an overview of some of the key features of BNG.

What is Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)?

The Environment Act 2021 introduced the requirement for new developments to provide a Biodiversity Net Gain.

This means that developers, must demonstrate that their development proposals will contribute a 10% improvement to natural habitats from the pre-development baseline and hence leave the environment in a better state than before the development.

This adds a new layer of complication and cost to many planning applications.

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