Biodiversity Net Gain: The Story So Far

Introducing our latest litepaper.

Read the full report here: Biodiversity Net Gain: The Story So Far
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‍‍‍Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Thoughts from the industry

We’re excited to announce the release of our latest report, providing exclusive insight into Biodiversity Net Gain policy during its first year of implementation. Developed using the latest Planning Portal data and featuring in-depth commentary from some leading BNG stakeholders, our report highlights key challenges, emerging trends, and industry response to BNG’s rollout.

‍A year of BNG: What have we learnt?

Introduced as part of the 2021 Environment Act, BNG became a mandatory requirement for major developments as of 12 February 2024, and then for small sites from 2 April 2024. Our latest report reflects that whilst the policy was designed to enhance biodiversity, its implementation has been met with some hurdles - noting a high percentage of applicants have consistently selected ‘no’ when asked if BNG applies to their site. The ‘de minimis’ and ‘self-build and custom development’ exemptions are accounting for a significant portion of these cases.

Recent application stats indicate a surge in self-build and custom-build applications, increasing since April 2024 with the removal of the small-sites exemption. However, the number of exemptions applied for has outpaced actual units, with 1,891 more exemptions than units recorded between March and September of last year. This suggests that clarity on exemption criteria remains a challenge for SME’s navigating the new regulations.

‍Thoughts from Geoff Keal, CEO, TerraQuest

“BNG is a radical policy that puts biodiversity at the heart of our planning system and, consequently, the built environment sector as a whole.

As we would expect from a genuinely novel policy development, there have undoubtedly been challenges in the implementation of BNG. There is, for example, an ongoing debate around exemptions from the BNG regime. I know that many of our stakeholders have strong views on this point. The data we are publishing will no doubt contribute to that debate.

Our mission at Planning Portal has been to facilitate an easy transition to BNG in the process of making a planning application.”

Setting the conversation in motion

Our report provides a unique perspective on BNG’s impact, utilising exclusive application data, and with its release we intended to spark crucial conversations about how the policy is being applied. Whilst the aims of BNG are admirable and facilitate the support of wider environmental targets, project delays and non-compliance can risk slowing development and straying from the government’s broader sustainability goals.

‘BNG became mandatory for small developments on 2 April, and it’s important we all play our part in its successful delivery - including self and custom builds - for the benefit of everyone; to provide communities with beautiful natural green spaces and to bring back wildlife. The policy also has the potential to improve air quality, flood management and soil stability, as well as to enhance our built environment for future generations’ - Scott Alford, Business Development Manager Planning Portal

With recent reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework and the Labour government’s increased focus on development and housing delivery, this discussion feels more relevant than ever.

Other new policies designed to accelerate development while balancing environmental responsibilities include key changes such as 'Greybelt'—a rethink of land classifications that could see previously restricted land made available for housing development. While it’s hoped the introduction of ‘Greybelt’’ will ease the housing crisis, it also raises questions around the preservation of biodiversity across new developments.

Additionally, mandatory housing targets and a national goal of delivering 1.5 million new homes mean that planning policies must support faster approvals while ensuring that environmental regulations are upheld. As these planning reforms unfold, our role will remain to support small developers in adapting to the evolving landscape, ensuring they can thrive while meeting regulatory expectations.

‍Nicholas White, Principal Adviser for Net Gain at Natural England

“Small to medium sites making a BNG application for the first time can learn from larger developers who are already familiar with the regulations. By providing clarification on what these exemptions mean, Planning Portal has already positioned itself as one of the many helpful resources for SMEs getting to grips with this new regulation.”

Going forward, we encourage stakeholders to engage with the data and contribute to the discussion. Planning Portal remains committed to being at the forefront of these discussions, providing clarity, guidance, and tools to help navigate the ever-changing planning landscape.

Read further insights, data-driven trends, and expert analysis that continues to shape the conversation moving forward.

Read the full report here: Biodiversity Net Gain: The Story So Far

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