Biodiversity Net Gain Newcastle: Understanding BNG
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) refers to the planning system used by developers and local planning 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 biodiversity net gain by mitigating biodiversity loss, using habitat creation techniques, retaining various 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 Newcastle. Biodiversity will apply to all major developments from February 2024 and to small sites in April 2024. Most local planning authorities are now requesting biodiversity net gain and nature recovery to determine planning applications for planning permission.
Biodiversity Net Gain Newcastle
In order to protect, grow and enhance the natural environment, the Newcastle City Council are encouraging biodiversity net gain of 10%.
The Environment Bill was passed as it received royal assent. Therefore, BNG will soon become a mandatory requirement for all developments in 2024.
Under the Environment Act 2021, a planning project must provide a biodiversity net gain increase for a minimum 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.
BNG should be achieved on-site where possible. If achieving BNG on site is not achievable, biodiversity credits can be purchased off-site.
Implementing Biodiversity Net Gain, Newcastle
If you are unsure of how mandatory 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 planning requirements.
At Collington Winter, our team has strong experience completing biodiversity net gain, Newcastle, 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 biodiversity net gain reports and a biodiversity action plan.
Our ecologists will complete a BNG assessment, and the data is entered into biodiversity units to measure changes to the natural environment, pre and post development. This metric is currently Defra Biodiversity Metric 4.0.
How can Collington Winter assist?
Please get in touch if you would like further information about Newcastle’s approach to BNG. We are happy to offer free CPD sessions on the Biodiversity Net Gain Principles and how we can help your schemes achieve this.
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 Newcastle City 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
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23 Bark Street East, 1st Floor, Bolton, BL1 2BQ
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Future Business Centre, Cambridge Campus, Kings Hedges Road, Cambridge, CB4 2HY
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Head Office: 01204 939 608
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