Biodiversity Net Gain Hampshire: Understanding BNG

With the intention of protecting the natural environment and encouraging nature recovery during and after development, Hampshire County Council requires a minimum net gain of 10%, detailed in a biodiversity gain plan. Planning projects must also deliver biodiversity net gain that is sustained for at least 30 years. If BNG is not possible at the location of development, developers must offset biodiversity elsewhere by purchasing off-site biodiversity credits.

Further information on specific BNG requirements and Planning Practice Guidance for biodiversity net gain can be found on the GOV.UK website.

An increase in biodiversity is required for developments of all sizes. For larger projects, this applies to residential projects that host 10 or more dwellings or sites that span more than 0.5 hectares.

Furthermore, BNG covers minor developments such as residential developments with 1 to 9 dwellings or sites smaller than 0.5 hectares, as well as commercial developments where the floor space created is under 1000 square metres, or the site area is less than 1 hectare.

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

• Apply the mitigation hierarchy to minimise the impact on biodiversity
• Avoid losing biodiversity that is not able to be off stetted with gains elsewhere
• Communicate each BNG outcome with complete inclusivity and equitability
• Cover all areas of sustainability, including societal and economic factors
• Involve any pre and post-development stakeholders in creating mandatory BNG solutions
• Focus on contributing 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 and increase general biodiversity gain conditions
• 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 outcome for biodiversity net gain

Those unsure of how statutory biodiversity net gain delivery may affect a planning application should contact the local planning authority. If it is implied that your development may face larger challenges, we recommend that you contact an experienced BNG professional at the earliest opportunity.

Together you can assess whether your development plans meet the local project requirements as well as any steps you may need to take in order to meet BNG standards and prevent any delays in receiving planning permission.

Our ecological consultants can complete a habitat classification assessment using a Statutory Biodiversity Metric (previously the Defra Biodiversity Metric 4.0). The results of the assessment will then be converted into a habitat management and monitoring plan to achieve net gain.

At Collington Winter Environmental, our team of ecology experts hold Natural England licences and work with a number of clients across England and Wales, including those in Hampshire and areas within the South Downs National Park.

For a wide range of projects varying in scale and complexity, we can provide policy guidance, project recommendations and clarification on the principles of BNG to meet the needs of Hampshire County Council.

To find out more about Collington Winter’s approach to biodiversity net gain, Hampshire, we encourage you to get in touch with a member of our team at info@collingtonwinter.co.uk, or by using the contact form below.