What is biodiversity net gain (BNG) and when is it happening
Biodiversity net gain became mandatory for ‘major’ planning applications on 12 February 2024. It became mandatory for ‘minor’ planning applications on 2 April 2024.
Applicants need to submit information about the existing biodiversity on site. This is a called a baseline assessment. If we grant planning permission, a plan to create at least a 10% improvement of biodiversity from the baseline assessment will need to be provided.
Government has mandated the biodiversity net gain requirement. It is in addition to existing local and national policy and guidance.
If we grant permission, a statutory condition called the General Biodiversity Gain Condition is automatically applied to the consent. This cannot be changed or removed. Not every development will need to provide biodiversity net gain. You can view the full list of exempt development types.
Householder applications do not need to provide net gain information.
If development is subject to the biodiversity net gain requirement, the application must include information:
Government have developed a metric that will allow submission of the relevant information. The metric is very detailed. We recommend a qualified ecologist completes it. The tool will help work out the value of the biodiversity on the site and measure this in units. This is how the 10% increase in units as part of a planning application must be demonstrated. You will need to support the metric with other information including:
Where the improvement to biodiversity is on site, we expect:
It is likely we will use planning conditions or a legal agreement to make sure this is the case. We will also have to provide a report on the status of biodiversity net gain within Torbay at least every five years.
Sometimes the required 10% biodiversity improvement cannot be fully met on-site. If this happens, you can use off-site habitat creation/enhancement to meet requirements. You can achieve this through the purchase of biodiversity credits either:
Where the improvement to biodiversity is off site, there will be a legal agreement to secure this. This is registered with Natural England.
Can it be provided in another way
If it is not possible to provide biodiversity improvement on or off site, it will be possible to buy credits from the government as a last resort. You would need to explain this as part of the planning application process.
Off-site Biodiversity Net Gain Enquiries
Let us know by emailing future.planning@torbay.gov.uk if you are either:
Devon Biodiversity Net Gain Guidance Note
The Devon Biodiversity Net Gain Guidance Note provides advice on calculating and delivering biodiversity net gain. It aims to ensure a consistent and efficient approach to Net Gain across Devon. It is relevant for all those involved including: