Biodiversity Net Gain Surrey: Understanding BNG

To meet BNG requirements in Surrey, developers should take proactive steps to:

• Enhance or protect habitat banks
• Support lowland hay meadows and priority habitats
• Invest in green infrastructure
• Safeguard vulnerable and endangered species

Opportunities to benefit from local woodland creation schemes often exist in rural areas, which improve the environment by fulfilling biological carbon sequestration. However, the most popular avenue for achieving BNG gains away from a site is Off-site biodiversity units, allowing landowners to meet requirements where on-site options are limited.

BNG applies to both major and minor developments, including:

• Housing projects with 10 or more dwellings or sites over 0.5 hectares
• Smaller development sites with fewer than 10 dwellings or non-residential floor space under 1,000m²

Regardless of size, all projects must show measurable improvements to local biodiversity. Where on-site BNG gains aren’t possible, developers must purchase approved biodiversity units and secure results for at least 30 years.

To effectively implement BNG and improve Surrey’s nature rates, developers should follow these 10 guiding principles:

1. Prioritise avoiding biodiversity loss through the mitigation hierarchy
2. Protect irreplaceable habitats
3. Ensure transparent stakeholder engagement
4. Consider long-term sustainability
5. Involve relevant stakeholders at all stages
6. Deliver real, lasting gains for nature and local communities
7. Anticipate and manage potential risks
8. Aim to exceed the 10% minimum
9. Use trusted metrics like the Statutory Biodiversity Metric
10. Focus on delivering the best possible outcome for biodiversity

If you’re applying for planning permission in Surrey and unsure how Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) impacts your proposal, it’s highly recommended that you engage with the local planning authority as early as possible. For more complex development, consultants and a qualified BNG specialist during the initial stages can help simplify the process and avoid delays.

At Collington Winter Environmental, we provide expert biodiversity planning support to developers throughout Surrey and the wider Midlands. Our team of licensed ecologists offers:

• Habitat surveys and assessments using the Statutory Biodiversity Metric
• Development of complaint habitat management and monitoring plans
• Comprehensive ecological documentation to support planning applications

For personalised guidance on meeting Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) requirements and enhancing the environmental sustainability of your project, contact us at info@collingtonwinter.co.uk or use the contact form below.