We support the principle of biodiversity net gain and the broader ambitions of the 25 Year Environment Plan to be the first generation to leave our natural environment in a better state than we found it.
- It provides a key opportunity to maximise natural green capital and deliver multiple benefits for councils and the local communities that they serve.
- However, we have strong concerns about the practical implementation of the biodiversity net gain proposals, in particular the new burdens on councils, the capacity of local authority planning departments and the lack of specialist ecological expertise to deliver them.
- If biodiversity net gain is mandated, all new burdens on local authorities must be properly assessed and fully funded. In relation to any additional roles and responsibilities that the proposals introduce, we would strongly urge the government to look at the capacity and skills required by councils to deliver these.
Download the full briefing
LGA response to the Defra consultation on Net Gain