Biodiversity Net Gain – Leeds City Council

Strengthening Leeds’ Natural Environment Through BNG

The Environment Act 2021 introduced a series of policies aimed at protecting and enhancing the natural environment, with biodiversity net gain (BNG) emerging as one of its most impactful measures. BNG requires developers to assess a site’s biodiversity value before and after a development project and ensure a minimum 10% improvement in biodiversity post-development, using the statutory biodiversity metric to improve environmental quality to a better state for many years.

Although BNG became law alongside the wider Environment Act, the government provided a two-year transition period to allow local authorities and developers to adapt to the new requirements. The period ended in February 2024, making compliance mandatory. As a result, Leeds City Council and other councils across West Yorkshire are now empowered to impose penalties on developers who fail to adhere to BNG standards, guided by nature conservation and ecosystem services.

Incorporating BNG into Local Planning Policy

In a technical guidance document released in September 2023, Leeds City Council outlined how BNG would apply to local development projects. The document provided a detailed overview of the policy, including its background, planning application considerations, BNG assessments, the planning process, concerns at the early design stage, and the implications for future developments. It also considers the potential negative impacts on certain habitat types, such as protected species.

To remain compliant with the policy, developers in Leeds must ensure that their projects align with relevant frameworks, including the Leeds local plan, the West Yorkshire Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS), and the Leeds Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP). Additionally, developers may need to liaise with local wildlife organisations, such as the Leeds Birdwatchers Club, the West Yorkshire Bat Group, and the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust. Although navigating these requirements may seem complex, following the correct guidance ensures smooth progress through the planning system.

Meeting the Requirements of BNG

When BNG was first announced in 2019, it became evident that the policy would have far-reaching implications for developers across the country, especially when it comes to major applications for planning consent. Ignoring the policy is not an option, as failing to meet BNG requirements can lead to delays in planning approval and, in severe cases, financial penalties or legal action.

To ensure compliance, two biodiversity assessments are required – one to establish the site’s baseline biodiversity value and another to predict the post-development value based on the proposed plans. Data taken from the site will outline any shortfall between the two figures, and with that, they must be addressed by implementing measures that deliver a minimum 10% net gain for biodiversity.

Evaluating Pre-Development and Post-Development Biodiversity

While the transition period offered developers the chance to familiarise themselves with BNG, there’s no substitute for the expertise of a qualified ecologist. Local planning authorities – including Leeds City Council – will not accept planning applications that lack input and further information about the site and project from a professional ecological consultancy. Engaging an expert early on is essential to ensure compliance and avoid delays.

During a BNG survey, ecologists will document and evaluate all ecological assets on the site, assigning a biodiversity value to the existing environment. Using this data and the proposed development plans, an ecological consultant can calculate the necessary steps to achieve BNG, applying the mitigation hierarchy to minimise harm, restore habitats, generate new habitat creation and – where necessary – identify appropriate off-site offsets, such as through investing in off-site land in a habitat bank. If the required biodiversity uplift cannot be achieved on-site, developers will need to secure biodiversity units from designated other landowner offset sites elsewhere in Leeds or West Yorkshire.

All findings from the survey, including maps, images and supporting data, will be compiled into a biodiversity net gain plan ready for submission to Leeds City Council as part of the planning application. A small-sites metric is also available for smaller developments that apply to BNG, and if any species protected by law are found on the site and more details are needed, the ecological consultant can opt to undertake further assessments and provide additional ecological reports, such as bat surveys, otter surveys or reptile surveys.

Expert Support for BNG Compliance in Leeds

Across Leeds and the surrounding areas, including the River Aire corridor and adjacent green spaces, our team is available to assist with ecological assessments and ensure compliance with BNG requirements. Unlike other consultancies that may assign ecologists from further afield, we provide local experts with in-depth knowledge of Leeds City Council’s policies, local wildlife sites and planning frameworks who can offer effective support to planners, property or landscape architects and anyone else involved in your development project.

We conduct all assessments following guidelines established by DEFRA, Natural England and CIEEM to ensure accuracy and compliance. If you’re ready to move forward, we can provide a free, no-obligation quote based on your site details and project requirements. Contact us by phone, email or through our website, and we’ll guide you through the cost and process of conducting a BNG assessment. With our expert support, achieving long-term biodiversity net gain for a minimum of 30 years and securing planning permission in Leeds will be a seamless process.