Key Dates For Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) In England

The deadlines for when developments will have to deliver net gains for biodiversity are looming. From 12 February 2024, BNG will be compulsory for new planning applications for major development made under the Town and Country Planning Act (TCPA) 1990. From 2 April 2004 it will be mandatory for small developments.

BNG will apply to new applications for planning permission (with some exceptions, as listed below). The Government has stated that "applications made under any other route, for example deemed permissions under section 90 TCPA 1990 or permission granted by a Local Development Order, will not be subject to mandatory BNG yet. Further regulations will be required to modify the procedure for these other routes to planning permission. We will release further information on this in due course."