Biodiversity Net Gain Northumberland: Understanding BNG
Since February 2024, Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) has become a national planning requirement for most development projects in England. This approach ensures that any new development – urban or rural – leaves the natural environment in a position to thrive. Aligned with governmental efforts to combat climate change and conserve green areas, Biodiversity net gain, Northumberland is now part of planning policy under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, following updates introduced in the Environment Act 2021.
Northumberland County Council both have a minimum 10% biodiversity net gain requirement for eligible developments. This must be outlined in a biodiversity gain plan and any section 106 agreement, which sets out how the project will improve or protect nature and priority species during and after construction. Developers are also encouraged to align with the area’s Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRS) to support local wildlife and habitat restoration.
North East developers should take measurable action to protect habitat banks, foster lowland hay meadows, mitigate biodiversity loss, support priority habitats, implement green infrastructure, and safeguard endangered species.
Developers may also benefit from local woodland creation schemes as a way to create and register biodiversity units. Northumberland is home to Earsdon West Forest, Northumberland Wildlife Trust’s first BNG habitat bank, paving the way for developers looking for ways to make a lasting change in biodiversity.
Biodiversity Net Gain, Northumberland
BNG applies to both minor and major development sites. This includes housing developments with 10 or more dwellings or sites over 0.5 hectares, as well as smaller residential and commercial projects. Even developments with fewer than 10 homes or commercial spaces under 1,000m² are required to demonstrate biodiversity improvements.
The aim of BNG is to deliver meaningful, long-term environmental benefits. If biodiversity enhancements can’t be achieved on-site, developers must commit to a biodiversity offset by purchasing biodiversity units to compensate. All net gain outcomes must be secured for at least 30 years.
BNG Good Practice Principles
There are ten key principles that guide the successful implementation of BNG:
- Apply the mitigation hierarchy to reduce biodiversity impacts.
- Avoid harming irreplaceable habitats.
- Engage stakeholders fairly and transparently.
- Consider environmental, social, and economic sustainability.
- Involve relevant parties throughout the planning and delivery stages.
- Create genuine, lasting benefits for nature and local wildlife.
- Understand and plan for risks to BNG outcomes.
- Go beyond the 10% minimum wherever possible.
- Use reliable metrics to measure and manage gains.
- Aim for the best possible results for biodiversity.
Implementing Biodiversity Net Gain, Northumberland
Developers in Northumberland who are unsure how BNG applies to their project should consult the local planning authority pre-development. If a development faces unique biodiversity challenges, it’s advisable to bring In a BNG expert during the design phase.
Collington Winter’s ecological consultants can assess existing habitats using the latest version of Statutory Biodiversity Metric (formerly Defra Metric 4.0) and then convert those findings into a habitat management and monitoring plan that achieves BNG compliance. These findings can help inform supplementary planning documents to support your application for planning permission.
How Collington Winter can Help?
Collington Winter Environmental are ready to support clients in Northumberland and across northeastern and central England. Our team of Natural England-licensed ecologists has extensive experience in delivering BNG for projects of all sizes. They offer clear advice on biodiversity policy, assist with planning applications, and help ensure developments meet local council requirements for a gain in biodiversity.
To find out more about BNG, or to speak with a biodiversity consultant on how to foster an improved environment with your project planning, contact Collington Winter at Info@collingtonwinter.co.uk or use the contact form below.
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