Meeting Legal Requirements for BNG in Sunderland
The introduction of the Environment Act 2021 has brought about a transformative change in the planning system, establishing lawful requirements that prioritise the protection and enhancement of the natural world.
Biodiversity net gain (BNG) is an important part of the act, with it dictating that most developments must result in a measurable increase in biodiversity of at least 10% compared to the pre-development state. For any project in Sunderland, achieving this uplift is no longer a recommendation but a mandatory component of the planning process.
Since the transition period concluded in early 2024, Sunderland City Council has been strictly enforcing these BNG requirements for planning applications, ensuring that the city’s expansion does not come at the expense of its natural heritage.
By calculating the biodiversity value of a site before and after a project, the system makes sure that the local environment is left in a measurably better state.
Developers must now demonstrate that they have accounted for the ecological impact of their work from the very beginning via a biodiversity net gain plan, turning nature recovery into a core pillar of urban design.
Integrating the Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS)
The South of Tyne and Wear strategy covering Sunderland, Gateshead and South Tyneside provides the spatial blueprint for nature’s return, identifying the most valuable existing habitats and mapping out where habitat creation will deliver the greatest benefits.
For developers, aligning a BNG scheme with the LNRS is vital, as it helps to target ecological investments toward strategic locations that strengthen the region’s wider Nature Recovery Network.
By following the LNRS, we can identify how your project interacts with critical ecological elements, such as the River Wear corridor – a high-priority area for enhancement that offers essential connectivity for wildlife between the city and the coast.
Collaborative efforts with the Durham Wildlife Trust and local authorities ensure that biodiversity gains are not just numerical on a spreadsheet, but contribute to a living and breathing landscape. Whether your site contains modified grassland or more complex features, we help you align with these local priorities to satisfy the council’s planning officers.
Quantifying Ecological Assets on Development Sites
Success in the modern planning environment relies on hard data, which is provided through a formal biodiversity net gain assessment. The process involves a detailed survey of the site to establish a baseline of the biodiversity value and calculate the number of biodiversity units required to hit the 10% target.
By accurately indexing the ecological features on-site, we can help you understand the scale of your obligations and find the most efficient path to compliance.
During our BNG assessments, we look at every element of the land, from mixed scrub and hedgerows to more specialised features. The goal is to achieve the required 10% gain on-site whenever possible, integrating nature directly into the development. That said, we strictly follow the mitigation hierarchy, which prioritises avoiding and minimising harm before looking at compensation.
If your site is too constrained to reach the target internally, you may need to look at off-site solutions, but the focus remains on ideally keeping the benefits as local to Sunderland as possible.
Evaluating Baseline Value and Coastal Habitats
Sunderland’s coastline is a defining feature of the city, and any project near the sea must account for the high value of coastal habitats. Such areas are often subject to additional scrutiny due to their sensitivity and the presence of protected species.
When we conduct a biodiversity net gain assessment in these zones, we pay particular attention to how the development might impact these specialised ecosystems. Protecting the integrity of the Durham Heritage Coast is a key objective for both the council and local conservation groups.
Even on inland sites that may appear to have lower ecological value – such as those dominated by modified grassland – there are often significant opportunities to enhance biodiversity. We look for creative ways to boost your unit score, such as the installation of bat boxes or the creation of native wildflower areas.
By accurately mapping the existing habitats and identifying where mixed scrub can be enhanced or replaced with more diverse planting, we ensure that your BNG scheme is both robust and achievable.
Expert Support for Your Sunderland Development
Navigating the complexities of nature recovery requires a partner who understands both the national legislation and the local ecological context.
We provide expert advice tailored to the specific needs of Sunderland, guaranteeing that your project meets all legal requirements while moving smoothly through the planning system.
Unlike national consultancies that may lack local insight, we work closely with the priorities set out by the Durham Wildlife Trust and the South of Tyne and Wear LNRS.
Our team is dedicated to helping developers find the most effective ways to enhance biodiversity on their sites. Whether you are managing a major urban regeneration project or a smaller residential build, we offer clear and authoritative guidance on how to satisfy your BNG requirements.
We provide free quotes for all our services, allowing you to plan your project with confidence. To get started, simply complete our online quote form or contact our team directly. By addressing your ecological obligations early, you can secure planning permission and help build a greener and more resilient Sunderland.
