Biodiversity Net Gain Dorset: Understanding BNG

With the intention of protecting the natural environment, Dorset Council requires a minimum 10% increase in biodiversity for all proposed development projects. Projects are required to achieve biodiversity net gain that is maintained for a minimum of 30 years. If delivering BNG on the development site isn’t feasible, developers must offset the impact by securing off site biodiversity units or purchasing biodiversity credits.

Enhancing biodiversity net gain is especially important in protected or ecologically valuable areas, such as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs). BNG is already a key component of local nature recovery strategies and has already been implemented in the National Planning Policy Framework.

The Planning Practice Guidance for Biodiversity Net Gain for England can be found on the GOV.UK website.

In England, the biodiversity net gain requirement applies to most developments that require planning permission under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. However, specific types of developments are exempt from this requirement. Notably, householder applications, such as small home extensions, are commonly exempt.

There are 10 vital good practice principles of biodiversity net gain that can help a project reach the minimum requirement of 10% if they are implemented. Outlined below are the mandatory net gain principles:

• Utilise the mitigation hierarchy to minimise the impact on biodiversity
• Eliminate any negative impacts of development on biodiversity
• Communicate each BNG outcome with complete transparency
• Cover all areas of sustainability, including societal and economic factors
• Involve any pre and post-development stakeholders in creating mandatory BNG solutions
• Focus on producing lasting natural benefits for biodiversity to leave a site and local wildlife in an improved state
• Understand the variable factors and potential risks in order to deliver BNG
• Attempt to exceed the base level requirement for biodiversity gains where possible
• Determine a suitable method in order to secure measurable on-site BNG gains
• Ensure the best possible results from biodiversity net gain

If you are unsure how statutory biodiversity requirements could impact your planning application, it is recommended that you get in touch with your local planning authority for advice.

If there is any indication that your development could be affected, we suggest consulting a qualified ecologist as early as possible. This will help ensure your plans align with local policies and identify any changes needed to meet BNG requirements.

Our ecological consultants will complete a habitat classification assessment using the Statutory Biodiversity Metric (previously the Defra Biodiversity Metric 4.0). We will then convert the results into a habitat management and monitoring plan to achieve biodiversity gain objectives.

At Collington Winter, our professional team of ecologists work with clients throughout England and Wales to develop biodiversity net gain plans that deliver a lasting impact.

To learn more about Collington Winter’s approach to BNG, get in touch with a member of our team at info@collingtonwinter.co.uk, or by using the contact form below.