Understanding BNG

At BioMark, we believe that an upfront, transparent conversation is always the best approach to understanding your BNG requirements.

Wetland habitat with reeds and grasses in autumn, bordered by mixed woodland. Example of biodiversity in the United Kingdom.

BNG for Developers, Architects & Consultants

Whether you are a developer, architect, or planning consultant, securing BNG is now an integral aspect of the development process.

The costs of failing to factor in BNG at the front-end of any development can be timely and expensive. We believe that an upfront conversation is always the best approach to understand your BNG requirements. At BioMark, we provide a simple, transparent process. Helping you secure the solution that maximises your vision while best fitting your needs.

Our expert consultants enable you to navigate the planning process with confidence and commence works without delay.

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'on-site biodiversity net gain credits showcased in a housing development with high levels of vegetation.

BNG Legislation

What is the Environment Act 2021?

On the 9th of November 2021, the UK Government achieved royal assent for the Environment Act 2021. This legislation places significant environmental obligations on organisations undertaking development projects. From residential developers building new housing estates to commercial developers building retail spaces and industrial units. In essence, developers are legally obligated to restore the biodiversity value of the plot of land with a net gain of 10%.

What are the Legal Requirements for BNG?

Before planning approval can be granted, developers must commission an ecological survey to calculate the impact of development on the site's biodiversity and create a Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan (HMMP) that outlines the management of the site post-development. The HMMP dictates who will carry out the creation, enhancement, and management of habitats for 30 years, and is bound by a Section 106 agreement with the Local Planning Authority.

How to Comply With Biodiversity Net Gain

Developers have three options to implement BNG

On-Site Biodiversity through flowers and vegetation in front of buidling

1. On-Site BNG

Developers are encouraged to minimise biodiversity loss and maximise on-site BNG where possible.

While some projects may achieve the required 10% net gain within the Red Line Boundary, this approach often carries significant challenges:

1. Space Limitations: On-site BNG units reduce the available development area.

2. Increased Costs due to ecological surveys, habitat design, planting, and long-term maintenance.

Developers should carefully assess the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of on-site BNG.

For many projects, off-site BNG units offer a more practical and cost-efficient solution, helping to mitigate risks while meeting biodiversity obligations.

Ecologists walking through a biodiverse field in the English Countryside

2. Off-Site BNG Units

Opting for off-site BNG units provides developers with a streamlined, strategic way to meet their BNG obligations.

At BioMark, we own and manage land through our established habitat banks, allowing developers to purchase our BNG units that deliver ecological benefits beyond the development boundary.

Benefits of Off-Site BNG Units:

1. Mitigation of Spatial Constraints: avoid spatial and cost pressures from on-site BNG, freeing up land and simplifying project budgets.

2. Long-Term Security: professionally managed habitats with secure, 30-year maintenance.

3. Reduced Risk and Responsibility: transfer ongoing ecological management obligations to trusted specialists.

3. Statutory Biodiversity Credits

Statutory Biodiversity Credits, mandated by the Environment Act 2021, serve as a government-provided 'last resort' for developers.

These credits are only available when both on-site and off-site BNG options are not viable. By purchasing statutory credits, developers contribute to government-led habitat creation and restoration projects across England.

Challenges of Statutory Biodiversity Credits:

1. Strict Regulations: developers must demonstrate that all on-site and off-site options have been fully explored

2. Inflated Costs: Statutory credits tend to be double the price of off-site BNG units.

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Securing Your Development

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Understand

Whether you have received a BNG requirement or are just exploring options, our experts explain the process, the choices available, and costs involved.