Biodiversity Net Gain – Bath and North East Somerset Council

Application of Mandatory BNG in Bath

A key policy within the Environment Act 2021, biodiversity net gain (BNG) aims to not only maintain but increase biodiversity to a measurably better state by at least 10% and for at least 30 years during development projects where the BNG requirement applies. As development can negatively impact the natural world and add to the existing ecological emergency seen throughout the country, BNG is designed to restore and enhance ecosystems.

Although the UK government introduced a two-year transition period for developers and local councils to adapt to the policy before it became mandatory nationwide, many local planning authorities insisted on early BNG compliance. Bath and North East Somerset Council was among the authorities that insisted on proof of adherence to BNG ahead of the nationwide mandate, but as things stand, Bath and North East Somerset now require developers to meet the BNG requirements as a part of the law.

Local Plans to Encourage Sustainability

To clarify how BNG and other environmental initiatives will be implemented, Bath and North East Somerset Council outlined its approach to enhancing biodiversity across the region. A key part of this strategy includes the Natural Environment Action Plan, which integrates biodiversity net gain and encourages connected considerations, such as the creation of green infrastructure and other parts of the local plan partial update (LPPU) provided by the nature recovery team.

The council plans to create a universal approach to delivering BNG in the area and provide further guidance through a Biodiversity Supplementary Planning Document, ensuring developers understand how to meet BNG standards. Additionally, the strategy supports other local initiatives such as the Bath & North East Somerset Pollinator Action Plan aimed at protecting declining populations of bees, butterflies, hoverflies and moths.

Methods to see the Mandate Delivered On-Site

The BNG policy impacts many planning projects across England, and developers in Bath and North East Somerset must demonstrate compliance or risk delays in securing planning approval. With the passing of the Environment Act, it became a part of UK law, making it a key factor in planning considerations, first in the general release on 12 February 2024 followed by a small sites version on 2 April 2024.

Hiring a qualified and experienced ecological surveyor is essential to ensuring compliance with BNG. By conducting a thorough ecological assessment of a development site, the ecologist can evaluate the current biodiversity value of the land. If the proposed development does not achieve the required BNG, the consultant can propose mitigation and compensation strategies using the mitigation hierarchy to meet the target under a different approach.

The ecological consultant will compare the site’s pre-development biodiversity value with a predicted post-development value. If there is a shortfall between these values, they will suggest measures to close the gap and increase the post-development biodiversity value by an additional 10%. It won’t apply to all new developments – such as in minor developments, small self-build projects, householder applications and most change-of-use applications – but as it plays an essential role in the local authorities’ ability to determine planning applications on major development projects, it is crucial to meet the mandatory requirement.

Formal Assessments for Permitted Development

While it is beneficial for developers to familiarise themselves with BNG, the expertise of a licensed ecologist is crucial. During a site visit, the ecological surveyor will conduct an assessment and use their findings to create a biodiversity net gain plan. By inspecting the site area, cataloguing all ecological features and using a purpose-built biodiversity metric, the ecologist will provide a comprehensive analysis of the current biodiversity value.

The further information taken from the site can then be used to create a projected future biodiversity value, and with comparisons between the two readings, the ecological consultant can find ways to generate measurable net gains, bypass avoidable net loss and meet the 10% BNG target. Ideally, the enhancement and recovery of existing habitats and the creation of new natural habitats will see the planning policy met on-site, but if that simply isn’t possible, off-site BNG is an alternative option that allows for the biodiversity gain requirements to be achieved elsewhere via biodiversity gain sites.

In addition to assisting developers, a BNG plan also plays a vital role in planning applications. Local planning authorities – such as Bath and North East Somerset Council – rely on BNG plans from ecological consultancies as credible evidence that the project has been thoroughly assessed and that all ecological requirements have been met, greatly increasing the likelihood of receiving planning approval.

Speak to Arbtech for Help with Development and Land Management

To offer cost-effective services tailored to the needs of each client, Arbtech provides personalised quotes based on the size of your site and the scope of your project. For a free quote, simply visit our contact page, give us a call, or complete our online quote form. One of our team members will be in touch to discuss arranging a BNG assessment that specifically applies to local biodiversity and includes a plan with more detail on a holistic approach to benefit planning applicants.

Once you confirm you are happy with the quote, we will arrange a site visit for the assessment to begin working out how many biodiversity units you need on your new development to be successful in the BNG process. One of our ecological consultants will inspect your development site, prepare a BNG plan based on the current policy context, add 10% biodiversity value, and help ensure that your planning application meets the standards set by Bath and North East Somerset Council.