What is Biodiversity Net Gain?
DEVELOPMENT THAT LEAVES BIODIVERSITY IN A BETTER STATE THAN BEFORE.
In terms of planning policy Biodiversity Net Gain seeks to support nature's recovery across England (and beyond). It places a requirement on developers to increase biodiversity levels in measurable units for a defined area of land, to secure planning permission.
The Environment Act came into force in November 2021 and along with it the requirement for mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain for development. Most Local Planning Authorities already request development to demonstrate positive outcomes for nature, however the Environment Act makes a minimum of 10% biodiversity gain a legal requirement. Without it, permission is likely to be declined.