Biodiversity Net Gain - (added November 2023)
Biodiversity Net Gain Brochure (blog.gov.uk) This brochure summarises the forthcoming mandatory approach to biodiversity net gain (BNG), the opportunities BNG presents and what it might mean for developers, landowners and Local Planning Authorities.
The Environment Act 2021 introduces a series of amendments to the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 which legally require certain types of development to deliver Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG). This interim guidance sets out Westmorland and Furness Council’s current approach to BNG once it becomes mandatory (PDF: 717Kb /11 pages).
Powers and protections for trees and hedges in the community - (added Oct 2022)
Research Briefing 30th September 2022.
Biodiversity Net Gain - (added April 2022)
Natural England have produced a new brochure for developers in relation to BNG. This is not detailed guidance but provides an accessible overview of the rationale and process for delivering biodiversity net gain through development projects and we hope it will be of assistance to you in preparing planning applications.
The brochure can be viewed here: Natural England Brochure
Biodiversity Net Gain - (added March 2022)
Biodiversity net gain (BNG) is an approach to development, and/or land management, that aims to leave the natural environment in a measurably better state than it was beforehand. This means that developers will have to consider the environmental aspects of their proposed scheme, and how they can add positively to the local ecology. This could be through on site or off site measures which would need to be agreed at the submission stage.
The requirements for achieving BNG are set out in the NPPF and the Environment Act and also through our own Local Plan policies and Biodiversity and Development SPD.
The Planning Advisory Service have just launched the ”Biodiversity Net Gain FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions” web page, working with Natural England and Defra to answer the questions they are most frequently asked.
The webpage will be regularly updated and can be accessed via the link below: