Apply for planning permission

Biodiversity net gain (BNG) is an approach to development and/or land management that aims to leave the natural environment in a measurably better state than it was beforehand.

The Environment Act 2021 introduced the duty to deliver minimum 10% BNG through planning decisions; this requirement was enacted on 12 February 2024. This is a mandatory requirement – applicable developments have to demonstrate 10% net gain otherwise we may not be able to approve them.

The requirement to demonstrate statutory BNG applies to all applications subject to some exemptions.

Further information on what applicants need to do can be found under habitats, ecology and bio-diversity.