Biodiversity net gain now and in the future

This page is part of our online resource on biodiversity net gain for local authorities. It summarises biodiversity net gain policy and guidance available now, as well as forthcoming requirements for mandatory biodiversity net gain through the Environment Act 2021. The Biodiversity net gain for local authorities page provides an introduction to the topic.

National policy sets out that planning should provide biodiversity net gains where possible. National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) Paragraphs 170(d), 174(b) and 175(d) refer to this policy requirement and the Natural Environment Planning Practice Guidance (PPG) provides further explanation on how this should be done. Delivering net gain is also referred to in the National Infrastructure Commission's Design Principles, National Policy Statements and the National design guide.

The Government's 25 Year Environment Plan sets out the aspiration to mainstream biodiversity net gain in the planning system and move towards approaches that integrate natural capital benefits.

The Biodiversity Metric is designed to provide ecologists, developers, planners and other interested parties with a means of assessing changes in biodiversity value (losses or gains) brought about by development or changes in land management. The metric is a habitat based approach to determining a proxy biodiversity value. The Statutory Biodiversity Metric was published in November 2023. A Small Sites Metric, designed to simplify the process of calculating biodiversity net gain on smaller development sites, is also available. 

We hosted an introduction to the BNG Metric and Checklist for LPA planning officers for Natural England on 6 July 2023. The session was principally focused on the BNG Metric and using the checklist in the process of validation of applications. The recording and slides of the event are available. We hosted intermediate level training from Natural England on Biodiversity Metric 4.0 in September 2023.

CIEEM, IEMA and CIRIA have set out Good Practice Principles for Development and an associated Practical Guide and Case Studies for biodiversity net gain.

There is now a British Standard on biodiversity net gain and development projects: BS 8683:2021 Process for designing and implementing Biodiversity Net Gain.  The standard specifies requirements for a process to design and implement BNG for development projects. It doesn’t cover the actual delivery of BNG, but provides a framework to demonstrate that a project has followed a process based on UK-wide good practice. Find out more from the British Standards Institute (BSI) webinar replay of 21 May 2021. BSI have also produced a Little Book of Biodiversity Net Gain to accompany the British Standard.

CIEEM have also published Biodiversity Net Gain Report and Audit Templates that provide a framework for writing reports for projects that are aiming to achieve BNG. The templates set out a suggested structure and content for reports specifically produced in relation to BNG assessments.

This article in LGA's first magazine for councillors highlights why councils should start thinking about and planning for biodiversity net gain now. Defra have also set out 10 actions local planning authorities can take to prepare for Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG).