Biodiversity Net Gain – Coventry City Council

Enhancing Coventry’s Natural Environment

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is a forward-thinking planning policy aimed at improving the natural environment by requiring new developments to result in a measurable net increase in biodiversity. Introduced as part of the Environment Act, BNG mandates that developers incorporate sustainable development measures into their development plans and enhance the ecological value of a site by at least 10% post-development compared to its original state.

Following its incorporation into law, the UK government allowed a two-year transition period to enable local authorities and developers to familiarise themselves with its requirements. The trial biodiversity net gain period ended in February 2024, and from that point, all local councils – including Coventry City Council – have been required to enforce BNG compliance in relevant planning applications, such as on major applications that would otherwise infringe on natural habitats.

BNG in Coventry’s Planning Framework

As a statutory obligation, BNG plays a vital role in Coventry City Council’s local planning framework and environmental policies. The policy is closely integrated with initiatives such as the Coventry Green Space Strategy, the local plan, Warwickshire’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) and the Warwickshire, Coventry and Solihull green infrastructure strategy, all of which aim to protect and enhance biodiversity across the region.

Documents like the biodiversity supplementary planning guidance (SPG) provide practical advice to developers on maintaining and improving biodiversity within development projects. The SPG and other similar documents ensure that biodiversity considerations align with both national policy and local objectives, offering clarity to developers while supporting sustainable growth and ensuring that the natural and historic environment aren’t harmed without justification.

The Impact of BNG on Development Projects

Since its announcement in the 2019 Spring Statement, biodiversity net gain has transformed how developments account for their environmental impact. Ignoring BNG requirements is not an option for developers, as non-compliance can lead to delays in obtaining planning approval or result in severe penalties, including financial sanctions and imprisonment.

To meet the required 10% biodiversity increase, an ecological assessment establishes the baseline biodiversity value of the site. It is then compared with the projected biodiversity value post-development, using a standard biodiversity metric. If the development cannot meet BNG targets on-site, developers are required to explore alternative options, such as creating biodiversity offsets or purchasing biodiversity credits, often facilitated through partnerships with local conservation initiatives.

Coventry offers various biodiversity offsetting schemes that provide opportunities for developers to invest in regional biodiversity improvements when on-site solutions are insufficient. Relevant schemes align with Warwickshire’s Biodiversity Impact Assessment (BIA) framework, which ensures measurable habitat enhancements.

Assessing Biodiversity for Compliance

For developers and homeowners planning projects in Coventry, understanding the intricacies of BNG is essential for compliance. Knowledge alone, however, is insufficient without a comprehensive ecological assessment conducted by a qualified consultant. The first step is obtaining a biodiversity net gain plan specific to the development site.

During a BNG survey, ecologists assess the site’s existing habitats, priority species and ecological features to determine the baseline biodiversity value. If development proposals risk causing biodiversity loss, the mitigation hierarchy is applied, focusing on avoiding harm, minimising impact and restoring habitats before considering alternative options to achieve the policy requirement, such as acquiring off-site offsets.

If on-site biodiversity gains are not achievable, developers may need to invest in off-site habitat creation to meet BNG obligations. Once the necessary measures are identified, the BNG plan is submitted to the relevant local planning authority for approval as part of the planning process, whether it’s Coventry City Council, the local authorities of nearby areas within the sub-region like Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, or the wider Warwickshire County Council.

Partner with Our Ecological Experts

Our experienced team of ecological consultants operates across Coventry and the surrounding areas, providing biodiversity assessments, ecological surveys and expert advice on achieving BNG compliance in the form of a comprehensive, insightful and trustworthy biodiversity net gain plan. We adhere to best practices defined by DEFRA’s biodiversity metric, Natural England and CIEEM to deliver accurate and reliable results.

If you require assistance in meeting BNG requirements for your development, contact us today for a free quote. We can assess your site details via phone, email or our website and provide a tailored proposal for conducting a BNG assessment and preparing the necessary documentation. Once you’re satisfied with the quote, we’ll schedule a convenient time to carry out the survey and support you throughout the planning process.