Biodiversity Net Gain Lincolnshire: Understanding BNG

Lincolnshire County Council supports national goals by enforcing the 10% BNG mandatory requirement. Any development planning applications must include a long-term BNG plan lasting at least 30 years. If delivering BNG on-site isn’t feasible, developers must offset biodiversity loss by enhancing nature elsewhere. The best way to do this is to purchase statutory biodiversity credits.

The government’s Planning Practice Guidance offers further details on the requirements for biodiversity net gain, accessible on GOV.UK.

BNG applies to both major and minor developments:

• Major: 10+ dwellings or large sites over 0.5 hectares.
• Minor: 1–9 dwellings or small sites under 0.5 hectares, or commercial developments under 1,000 m² or 1 hectare.

Regardless of size, all developments must consider biodiversity from the outset and submit a biodiversity net gain plan as part of the planning process. A local planning authority is legally authorised to prevent the project from continuing if they believe this has been neglected.

To effectively achieve BNG, developers should follow ten key principles:

1. Use the mitigation hierarchy to reduce biodiversity impact.
2. Avoid negative impacts where possible.
3. Be transparent about BNG outcomes.
4. Incorporate sustainability, including social and economic benefits.
5. Involve stakeholders throughout development.
6. Deliver sustainable benefits for biodiversity.
7. Anticipate risks to effective delivery.
8. Aim to exceed the 10% baseline where possible.
9. Choose appropriate, measurable methods.
10. Commit to achieving the best possible biodiversity outcomes.

Meeting BNG requirements means understanding local habitats and taking proactive steps. Developers should engage ecologists early in the planning stage to identify how their project may impact biodiversity.

An ecological consultant can carry out habitat assessments using the Statutory Biodiversity Metric (previously Defra Metric 4.0), helping to shape a biodiversity management plan in line with Lincolnshire’s nature recovery strategy.

Collington Winter Environmental offers ecology and landscape consultancy services, with licensed professionals experienced in BNG delivery. Whether your development is large or small, our team can guide you through the process, from assessments to preparing a biodiversity gain plan tailored to Lincolnshire Council’s standards.

To learn more or get advice on your project, contact us at info@collingtonwinter.co.uk or use the contact form below.