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.

THE PLANS REQUIRED

• BIODIVERSITY CORE INFORMATION PLAN

Report presenting Biodiversity Net Gain Assessment results, calculations and evidence to support findings.  This will include recommendations on how biodiversity gain will be achieved suitable to support your planning application.

• GAIN PLANS

Setting out the results of surveys, assessment, metric and how Biodiversity Net Gain will be secured including legal agreement requirements.

• HABITAT MONITORING AND MANAGEMENT PLAN

30-year minimum plan of how habitats created and enhanced on and offsite as part of your Biodiversity Net Gain proposals will be monitored and managed.

Nature pays!

Whether you are a landowner, farmer or agent, we can work with you to understand the true potential of the land and how best to utilise the space for both genuine income diversification and to support nature’s recovery. The two are not opposing forces; at Biodiverse Consulting we balance business with biodiversity.  We will strive to get the most impactful and profitable outcome for our clients as well as the environment.

If you’re in need of a crash course on how the Environment Act 2021 impacts your business and/or projects then you can join one of our CPD training sessions to gain a greater understanding of what it all means. 

The session, delivered by Vicki Mordue, explores the background to Biodiversity Net Gain, what it is (and is not), how it is currently calculated and what the implications are for development. 

Set within your local context, where possible, the course covers how Biodiversity Net Gain is implemented and provides insight into how it is likely to embed over the next transitional 18 months whilst secondary legislation is enacted. 

There are also informed ideas on how Biodiversity Net Gain will be achieved on and offsite and finally a bit of horizon scanning at how it will evolve in the future.