Biodiversity net gain will not affect self-builders & when submitting householder planning applications
“We want to ensure that our clients are not caught unawares by the new legislation and how it could affect their projects so we have been building our approach in anticipation... Luckily, most of our clients will not have to comply with the BNG requirements”
Some aspects of biodiversity are instinctively widely valued by people but the more we study biodiversity the more we see that all of it is important. There are lots of ways that humans depend upon biodiversity and it is vital for us to conserve it. Trees, bushes and wetlands and wild grasslands naturally slow down water and help soil to absorb rainfall. When they are removed it can increase flooding. Trees and other plants clean the air we breathe and help us tackle the global challenge of climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide.
So prioritising biodiversity is a good thing.
And the new biodiversity net gain approach is a good thing in principle too.
But it does have a knock on effects for land-owners.
For most of our projects there will be increasing requirement for ecology of the site to be assessed generally. There are new directives from Natural England in respect of bat surveys for example.
For BNG the small sites metric will come in in April 2024 so if your application is in after then it is likely to need BNG paperwork and potentially the requirement for mitigation. The good news is that householder applications are exempt from BNG.
Biodiversity net gain (BNG) is a concept that aims to ensure that development projects have a positive impact on biodiversity. It involves increasing the overall biodiversity value of a site after development, compensating for any biodiversity loss that may have occurred. The idea is to leave the environment in a better ecological state than it was before the development took place.
The UK government policies that make BNG a planning matter are coming into force this month (January 2024) for large scale developers and for single house projects in April 2024. The details are still not that clear as to what will be expected but broadly, we anticipate the following.
We will need to undertake a structured approach following the guidance of Natural England. Work will include:
Baseline Assessment: Evaluate the existing biodiversity on the site before any development occurs. This includes assessing the types of species present, their habitats, and the overall ecological health of the area.
Development Planning: Design the development in a way that minimizes negative impacts on biodiversity. This may involve avoiding sensitive habitats, preserving green spaces, and incorporating green infrastructure into the design. Lighting design, landscaping and planting schemes, foundation design, drainage and water run off and the materials we use will all be specified with great care. Where we place development on the site and whether a site is viable will also potentially be under review.
Calculating Biodiversity Net Gain: Calculate the biodiversity value of the site before and after development. The aim is to achieve a net gain, meaning that the biodiversity value of the site post-development is higher than it was initially.
Offsetting Losses: If the development causes a loss of biodiversity, the project owners will need to offset these losses by implementing measures that enhance biodiversity elsewhere. This could involve creating or restoring habitats, planting native vegetation, or implementing other conservation measures. There is a hierarchy for how to do this.
The owner of this property was clear that they wanted to improve the biodiversity of their property and undertook a planting scheme which would encourage wildlife.
To increase the biodiversity of a single dwelling site by 10%, we will consider the following:
Habitat Creation: Introduce or enhance habitat features on the site that are suitable for local wildlife. This could include bird boxes, bat boxes, insect hotels, and planting native vegetation.
Native Planting: Incorporate a variety of native plant species into the landscaping. Native plants provide food and habitat for local wildlife, promoting biodiversity.
Water Features: If feasible, include a small pond or water feature. These can attract a variety of species, including amphibians, insects, and birds.
Green Roofs and Walls: Consider incorporating green roofs and walls into the design of buildings. These features provide additional habitat and contribute to biodiversity.
Wildlife-Friendly Practices: Adopt wildlife-friendly practices such as minimal pesticide use, proper waste management, and responsible gardening practices.
Monitoring and Management: Regularly monitor the site to assess the success of biodiversity enhancement measures. Implement management practices as needed to maintain and improve biodiversity over time.
It's essential to work with ecologists or biodiversity experts to ensure that the chosen measures are appropriate for the local ecosystem and comply with biodiversity net gain requirements and regulations.
We are working with ecological consultants e3s (e3sconsulting.co.uk/services/ecology/) to ensure our clients get the right advice timeously.