Biodiversity Net Gain – Lancashire County Council

BNG Compliance in Lancashire

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is a key policy within the Environment Act 2021, requiring developers to ensure that biodiversity on development sites is not only maintained but enhanced to a measurably better state of at least 10%. As construction projects can have a detrimental impact on natural ecosystems, BNG aims to counteract this by fostering habitat restoration to existing habitats and generating ecological improvements and new habitat creation.

While the UK government introduced a two-year transition period to allow developers and local councils to adapt to BNG requirements before they became legally binding, many local authorities were already incorporating them into planning decisions. Lancashire County Council was among those proactively requiring developers to demonstrate compliance with BNG, making it essential for anyone undertaking a development in the county to follow the necessary guidelines.

Lancashire County Council’s Approach to Biodiversity Net Gain

From February 2024, major developments and nationally significant infrastructure projects were affected by BNG, with small sites affected from April 2024. To provide clarity on how biodiversity net gain should be integrated into local planning, Lancashire County Council outlined strategies for preserving and enhancing the county’s natural environment that aligned with national policy and nature recovery strategies. Policies in Lancashire ensure that major new developments contribute positively to Lancashire’s diverse landscapes, which include the Forest of Bowland, the Ribble Valley and coastal ecosystems.

The council has a dedicated page for biodiversity net gain, detailing how developers are required to implement it across Lancashire County Council’s planning framework. The local council also references complementary initiatives, such as the Lancashire Pollinator Strategy, which focuses on protecting declining populations of bees, butterflies and other pollinating species. Additionally, a forthcoming Biodiversity Supplementary Planning Document will offer more detailed guidance to developers on meeting BNG obligations, supporting irreplaceable habitats, and operating successfully within the planning system.

BNG and the Planning Process

Many developments across England need to comply with biodiversity net gain requirements, and planning applications that fail to demonstrate adherence to mandatory BNG will struggle to gain approval. Since the Environment Act received royal assent, all policies within it – including biodiversity net gain – have been legally enforceable.

To ensure a development aligns with the new requirements, it is crucial to engage a qualified ecological consultant. An ecologist will conduct a thorough assessment of the development site to evaluate its existing ecological value. If the proposed development does not naturally achieve the required BNG improvements, the consultant will recommend appropriate measures using the mitigation hierarchy.

Using the statutory biodiversity metric, an ecologist will compare the site’s pre-development baseline value with its projected post-development value. If there is a shortfall, the consultant will determine necessary interventions to bridge the gap and ensure that biodiversity value is increased by the mandated 10%, such as a form of on-site or off-site provision designed to achieve BNG.

Biodiversity Net Gain Plans from Licensed Ecologists

It is beneficial for developers to familiarise themselves with biodiversity net gain principles, but expert input from an ecological consultant is essential, whether it’s for a biodiversity gain plan or a protected species survey. An ecologist will conduct a site visit, evaluate existing biodiversity features, and produce a comprehensive biodiversity net gain plan detailing the necessary actions to meet the legal requirement.

During the assessment, all ecological constraints and features will be recorded to establish a clear understanding of the site’s baseline biodiversity value. By considering both current conditions and projected future biodiversity, the consultant can outline practical steps to meet BNG targets, ensuring compliance with Lancashire County Council’s planning policies.

BNG plans act as supporting evidence and play a crucial role in the planning application process. Local planning authorities rely on these professionally prepared documents to assess whether a permitted development aligns with biodiversity net gain regulations. A well-prepared BNG plan not only strengthens a planning application but also increases the likelihood of securing planning consent.

Supporting BNG Compliance in Lancashire

Covering the entirety of the North West, Arbtech can facilitate your development site in Lancashire and tailor our pricing to match the specific needs of each development, ensuring cost-effective solutions for biodiversity net gain plans. Our transparent pricing model means that you only pay for the level of assessment required for your project, avoiding unnecessary expenses.

From simply retrieving further information from your development site or going as far as supporting the last resort option of off-site BNG – gaining biodiversity units or credits from elsewhere – our team will help you through the process. We can provide evidence to your local planning authority in Lancashire, meeting the legal agreement and successfully achieving biodiversity net gain to benefit the continued progress of your development.

To receive a free, no-obligation quote, contact us via phone, fill out our online quote form, or visit our contact page. If you choose to proceed, we will schedule a site visit at a time that suits you. One of our experienced ecological consultants will then assess your site, produce a BNG plan, and assist with fulfilling Lancashire County Council’s biodiversity requirements to help secure planning approval.