Mandatory Requirement for BNG within Urban Planning
The Environment Act 2021 has fundamentally reshaped how new developments are approved in the Staffordshire Potteries, placing the natural environment at the heart of the agenda. Central to this is biodiversity net gain (BNG) – a policy requiring that any proposed development leave the local ecosystem in a measurably better state.
By making this a mandatory requirement, the government ensures that developments contribute positively to the recovery of nature. For a development site in Stoke-on-Trent, this means that the biodiversity value must increase by at least 10% compared to its baseline state before any construction begins.
While the city has a deep industrial heritage, the planning process now treats nature conservation as a primary objective. Since the conclusion of the transition period in February 2024, local authorities have been strictly enforcing these BNG requirements, from Stoke-on-Trent City Council to the wider Staffordshire County Council.
In practice, this means that planning applications must be supported by a robust biodiversity net gain plan to show how the project will achieve net gain in Staffordshire. Without this evidence, the local planning authority cannot legally grant permission, making it essential to address these factors in the earliest stages of a project.
Aligning with Stoke-on-Trent’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS)
Stoke’s ambitions to be green are closely tied to the local nature recovery strategy (LNRS), which acts as a fantastic tool for mapping the region’s ecological future.
In identifying priority areas where habitat creation will have the most significant impact – such as the urban core or the corridors along the Mersey Canal – the LNRS can ensure that boosting local biodiversity is a coordinated effort.
By utilising the latest ecological data, developers can see how their project fits into the wider network of restoring nature. Collaborative efforts with the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust further emphasise the importance of protecting wildlife habitats and ensuring that protected species are given the space to flourish.
The Trust also found Net Gain Staffordshire to help with delivering BNG successfully. Between our own knowledge and the guidance of the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, we help you align your development projects with these local priorities, identifying the best places for ecological investment to ensure a smooth path to approval.
Leading a Biodiversity Net Gain Assessment
To successfully navigate the Stoke-on-Trent planning process, a developer must move from general concepts to specific ecological value metrics. It is achieved through a formal biodiversity net gain plan, starting with an assessment to quantify the natural habitat on-site using a standardised metric.
The BNG assessment provides a numerical baseline of the biodiversity value before work begins, which is then compared against the post-development projections to ensure that the 10% target is hit.
More than anything, the goal is to generate enough biodiversity units to cover the required uplift. Ideally, these gains are achieved on-site through clever landscaping and the integration of green infrastructure. It is possible, however, that some urban sites have limited time or space for delivering BNG on-site.
When unavoidable impacts occur, developers must look off-site. Outsourcing gains for biodiversity units involves securing BNG units from a habitat bank or local landowner or land manager – a move that allows projects to proceed while still funding essential nature conservation elsewhere in the county.
Utilising Habitat Data for Accurate BNG Delivery
Achieving the best outcomes for your project requires an early commitment to gathering high-quality habitat data. Our consultants perform a deep dive into the site’s current state, cataloguing every feature to establish an accurate biodiversity net gain (BNG) baseline.
The information is vital because it dictates the next steps for your design, and knowing the exact ecological value of your land early prevents costly redesigns later in the planning process.
We focus on long-term viability, ensuring that any habitat creation proposed is sustainable and capable of thriving for at least 30 years. By identifying suitable areas for enhancement – such as retrofitting climate change resilient planting – we help your project stand out to the local planning authority.
The technical precision ensures that your biodiversity score after the development is complete meets all the rigorous standards set by the city.
Expert Support for Stoke-on-Trent Planners and Developers
Engaging with an expert early is the most effective way to ensure compliance and avoid the pitfalls of the new legislation.
We provide specialised support for planners and developers across the city, offering a clear path through the complexities of biodiversity net gain delivery.
Whether you are working on large-scale urban regeneration or smaller residential schemes, we use the latest ecological data to tailor a strategy that works for your specific location.
Our team is dedicated to helping you find the best places for environmental investment, ensuring your project remains compliant with environmental policies.
We offer a free quote for your BNG plan, helping you to understand the scope of the work required. Simply reach out via our quote form or give us a call to discuss your site details.
With our professional support, you can meet your BNG requirements confidently, protecting the local landscape while securing the future of your development.
