Biodiversity Net Gain Worcestershire: Understanding BNG

Worcestershire County Council aligns with national legislation by requiring all new developments to achieve a minimum of 10% biodiversity net gain. Every planning application must be accompanied by a local biodiversity gain plan demonstrating measurable biodiversity improvements maintained for at least 30 years post development.

If on-site enhancements are not feasible, developers must offset biodiversity impacts by purchasing units from approved habitat banks. The promotion of BNG is especially important in areas of high ecological value, such as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) and locations of national or international environmental significance.

BNG is integral to local nature recovery strategies and is embedded in the National Planning Policy Framework.

Inclusive to developments of all sizes, both minor and major proposed developments should be supplemented with a BNG plan. For larger infrastructure projects, this applies to residential projects that host 10 or more dwellings or sites that span more than 0.5 hectares. Minor developments are also included, such as projects 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 showcase a conscious effort towards the BNG requirement. Outlined below are the mandatory net gain principles to successfully achieve BNG:

• 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-development stakeholders in creating mandatory BNG solutions. Those involved after development should also be included in the process.
• Focus on producing sustainable 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

Developers have a key role in safeguarding local biodiversity. If your proposal may significantly affect the surrounding natural environment, it is crucial to seek early guidance from your local planning authority or a qualified ecologist.

At Collington Winter, our ecological consultants can carry out a comprehensive habitat assessment using the Statutory Biodiversity Metric (formerly Defra Metric 4.0) to calculate biodiversity units. Based on this assessment, we develop tailored habitat management and monitoring plans aligned with local nature recovery strategies to help ensure full compliance with BNG regulations.

Our ecology team, licensed by Natural England, supports a wide range of clients across England and Wales, including projects in the Worcestershire region.

From small residential schemes to large-scale infrastructure developments, we offer expert guidance on biodiversity net gain strategy and implementation. Our team prepares bespoke Biodiversity Net Gain plans that meet Worcestershire County Council’s policies.

To learn how we can support your project, contact us at info@collingtonwinter.co.uk or complete the form below.