Biodiversity Net Gain – Leicester City Council

Implementing BNG Requirements in Leicester

The Environment Act 2021 (formerly the Environment Bill) from the UK government introduced several policies aimed at enhancing and protecting the natural environment, with biodiversity net gain (BNG) standing out as a key measure. The national and local planning policy mandates that developers improve biodiversity on a site by a measurably better state of at least 10% post-development compared to its original condition. Achieving this involves two biodiversity assessments – one before development and one after – with the second reading expected to show the required net gain.

Given the scale of this change in planning law, the government allowed for a two-year transition period to enable local authorities and developers to fully understand and integrate BNG. The period concluded in February 2024, after which compliance with BNG became mandatory and developers were required to show consideration to the nature conservation measures. A small-sites biodiversity net gain metric was then released shortly after in April 2024. As a result, Leicester City Council and other planning authorities across Leicestershire and further parts of the East Midlands are now enforcing BNG requirements on applicable developments.

Integrating BNG into Leicester’s Planning Framework

Like other areas across England, Leicester has incorporated biodiversity net gain within its local planning framework and local biodiversity action plans. In addition to the biodiversity action plan (BAP), BNG has been referenced extensively in the supplementary planning document (SPD), the Leicester local plan and the Leicestershire Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS), demonstrating a clear commitment to the policy and key areas such as Charnwood Forest and the River Soar. It also ties in with protections surrounding accessible natural greenspace, wildlife habitats, local nature reserves and sites of special scientific interest (SSSI).

A notable initiative aligned with this goal is the development of local habitat banks to provide offsetting opportunities when biodiversity net gain cannot be achieved on-site. Working in collaboration with local communities and landowners, Leicester City Council has supported these efforts by exploring the creation of habitat banks on designated green sites, ensuring that biodiversity can be restored and enhanced across the region. The approach allows for flexibility, enabling developers to meet BNG requirements either on-site or off-site while ensuring that ecological benefits are distributed effectively.

Understanding the Impact of BNG on Developments

Since the initial announcement of BNG in 2019 and its incorporation into law in 2021, developers have had time to adapt to the policy. The scale of change, however, has presented challenges, especially since the policy applies to most land and property development projects in England, bringing with it more stipulations around nature conservation value, biological diversity and biodiversity strategy. Failure to comply with BNG regulations can result in delays, financial penalties or even criminal liability, making adherence in applicable planning projects a critical aspect of the planning process.

To achieve BNG compliance, developers must use a biodiversity metric to calculate the biodiversity value of the site before and after development. An ecological surveyor conducts the biodiversity net gain assessment, identifying opportunities for biodiversity enhancement, such as creating woodland, tree planting or the planting of new hedgerows, improving existing habitats or relocating priority habitats to safer settings. If meeting the BNG requirement on-site is not feasible, developers may need to refer to the last resort option of providing financial contributions to generate biodiversity units and facilitate biodiversity offsetting elsewhere.

Assessing and Enhancing Biodiversity on Your Site

For developers in Leicester, understanding the BNG policy is essential, but professional ecological input remains indispensable. Local planning authorities – including Leicester City Council – require a BNG survey and an associated biodiversity net gain plan as part of the planning application process. Engaging with an ecological consultant at an early stage ensures that all BNG requirements are addressed effectively prior to any development works moving ahead.

During a BNG survey, ecological consultants assess the site’s current biodiversity value by cataloguing important habitats, priority species and other ecological features. The proposed development plans are then analysed to predict post-development biodiversity levels. Using further information from the site, any shortfall between these two figures is addressed by implementing measures to eliminate the deficit and deliver the required 10% net gain, such as habitat creation, rehabilitation, renovation or compensation.

In most cases, on-site changes can achieve the desired outcomes. If, however, this is not possible, biodiversity offsetting to designated sites with lower ecological value may be necessary. Following the survey, a biodiversity net gain plan is compiled, containing detailed findings, site images, habitat maps and actionable recommendations. Once completed, this document is submitted to Leicester City Council to support the planning application.

Expert Ecological Support for Leicester Developers

If your development site in Leicester involves areas such as wildflower meadows, hedgerows or green corridors, BNG compliance will likely be required. Our experienced team of ecological consultants operates across Leicester and the surrounding region, providing expert assessments and advice on achieving biodiversity net gain. Unlike consultancies that assign distant surveyors to local projects, we prioritise deploying ecologists with knowledge of Leicester’s planning policies, the corresponding local councils, local wildlife sites and regional conservation priorities.

The services we provide adhere strictly to guidelines set by DEFRA and Natural England, and we’re qualified by the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM). Our pre-development and post-development services are applied correctly to ensure that the assessments we offer meet regulatory standards and contribute to the successful completion of your project. Whether you’re a private developer or part of a larger commercial project, understanding BNG and securing the right ecological expertise is essential for meeting planning requirements in Leicester.

We offer free, no-obligation quotes for BNG assessments, allowing you to evaluate the cost and scope of the necessary services. To get started, simply complete a quote form on our website, email us or call our team, and we’ll discuss the details of your site and project. If you’re satisfied with our proposal, we’ll schedule a convenient date to conduct the survey and create a BNG plan that fulfills your obligations. Our professional support ensures that you meet BNG requirements smoothly, protect existing habitats and encourage new habitats to thrive, helping you to avoid unnecessary delays and secure successful planning consent.