Biodiversity Net Gain Malton: Understanding BNG

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) refers to the process used by developers and local authorities to consider the long-term effects that a project may have in terms of biodiversity. It aims to leave the natural environment in an area in a better state than it was prior to completion of the project. Developers can achieve net gain by mitigating biodiversity loss, using habitat creation techniques, retaining various species and habitat types and protecting ecological features.

Due to relevant national legislation, biodiversity net gain is soon to become mandatory in all parts of England, including Malton, in 2024. Most local planning authorities are now requesting a biodiversity net gain report to be submitted with the planning application for planning permission.

biodiversity net gain cambridge

Biodiversity Net Gain Malton

In order to protect, grow and enhance the natural environment, the North Yorkshire Council are encouraging a minimum biodiversity net gain of at least 10% for all development projects.

In England, BNG is mandatory under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as inserted by Schedule 14 of the Environment Act 2021). Therefore, BNG will soon become a planning policy in England and will be a mandatory requirement for all developments proposed.

A planning project must provide a biodiversity net gain increase for a minimum period of 30 years. If the required BNG levels are not met initially, a mitigation hierarchy should be followed until the project reaches the required standard.

Biodiversity net gain is especially significant for protected or important nature conservation sites and sites of special scientific interest. BNG is already commonly used for local nature recovery strategy and National Planning Policy Framework.

What types of developments will BNG apply to?

From 12 February 2024, BNG will be mandatory for new planning applications for major development made under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. Major developments include residential developments with 10 or more dwellings or if the site area is greater than 0.5 hectares.

Biodiversity net gain will be made mandatory for small sites from April 2024. Small sites include residential developments where the number of dwellings is between 1 or 9 or if the site area is less than 0.5 hectares. Small sites also include commercial developments where floor space created is less than 1,000 square metres or the overall site area is less than 1 hectare.

Implementing biodiversity net gain Malton

If you are unsure of how statutory biodiversity net gain delivery may affect your planning application, you should contact your local planning authority. If they indicate that your development could be significantly impacted, we recommend that you contact an experienced ecologist as soon as possible.

They can discuss whether your development plans meet the required standards as well as any measures you may need to take in order to meet biodiversity net gain requirements.

At Collington Winter, our team has strong experience in ensuring that overall, there is a gain for biodiversity for developments in Malton and will provide guidance throughout the planning process. We can ensure that one of our experienced biodiversity ecologists visits your development site to assist with any ecological reports and a biodiversity net gain plan.

Our ecologists will complete a habitat classification assessment, and the data is then used to calculate a number of biodiversity units to measure changes to the natural environment, pre and post development. This metric is currently Defra Biodiversity Metric 4.0. This statutory biodiversity metric calculates data that can then be used to create a habitat management and monitoring plan.

How can Collington Winter assist?

Please get in touch if you would like further information about Malton’s approach to BNG. Our team of ecological consultants and landscape architects have helped numerous clients over the years. Our clients have ranged from minor developments to major applications. We have assisted with matters regarding policy guidance for biodiversity net gain from the North Yorkshire Council.

If you would like to find out more about the services we provide, feel free to contact us using the details below.

Contact Us

Registered Address

23 Bark Street East, 1st Floor, Bolton, BL1 2BQ

Cambridge Office

Future Business Centre, Cambridge Campus, Kings Hedges Road, Cambridge, CB4 2HY

Telephone

Head Office: 01204 939 608

Dumfries Office: 01387 378208

Get in touch
close slider
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.