Biodiversity Net Gain – Lincolnshire County Council

Lincolnshire’s Implementation of BNG

Introduced through the Environment Act in 2021, biodiversity net gain (BNG) has become a cornerstone of planning policy in England. The concept is straightforward yet impactful, insisting that developers must ensure that their projects deliver a 10% improvement in biodiversity value compared to the pre-development state of the site. The Environment Act 2021 featured several core policies but none that would have as much of an impact on the planning system as BNG.

Although developers were given until November 2023 to prepare for this mandate, many local authorities – including Lincolnshire County Council – adopted BNG principles early. As one of the largest and most rural counties in England, Lincolnshire is home to a wide variety of irreplaceable habitat, from the Lincolnshire Wolds to the coastal saltmarshes and even linear habitats in Central Lincolnshire. The region’s commitment to BNG reflects both the national agenda for nature recovery and local efforts to protect its distinctive natural landscapes.

Planning Obligations Related to the Biodiversity Gain Condition

The local planning authority in Lincolnshire has integrated biodiversity net gain into local planning frameworks, using strategies such as the Lincolnshire Biodiversity Action Plan to guide developers. The plan identifies key priorities for nature conservation, including the restoration of fenlands, the protection of coastal habitats, and the creation of wildlife corridors across the county.

Local planning documents encourage developers to address biodiversity as an integral part of their projects. Biodiversity Opportunity Areas (BOAs) such as the Lincolnshire Coast and Marshes are highlighted as priority zones for habitat enhancement. Additionally, the restoration of traditional agricultural landscapes in the Wolds is a significant focus, ensuring that biodiversity net gain is achieved in harmony with the county’s rich farming heritage.

Partnerships with organisations like the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust and Natural England ensure that biodiversity goals are aligned with broader ecological strategies. In addition to resources that provide further information to assist with land management and habitat management, such collaborations provide invaluable resources and guidance for developers navigating the requirements of BNG in the region.

Working the Mandatory Requirement into a Project

For developers working in Lincolnshire, biodiversity net gain introduces a new layer of complexity to the planning process by demanding that the pre-development biodiversity value is enhanced to a measurably better state. It also, however, forms a pivotal part of the process of seeing planning applications granted and presents an opportunity to contribute to the preservation and restoration of the county’s unique ecosystems.

Using DEFRA’s biodiversity metric (or small sites metric), ecologists assess the baseline ecological value of development sites. The process is particularly important in Lincolnshire’s sensitive areas, such as The Wash and the coastal dunes where ecosystems play a crucial role in supporting biodiversity and the affected planning applicant believes correctly that biodiversity gain applies. Based on the assessment, developers must ensure that their plans include measures to deliver the required biodiversity uplift.

If achieving a 10% increase on-site proves challenging, developers can consider off-site compensation options. Lincolnshire County Council supports initiatives like tree planting, wetland restoration and peatland recovery, which offer opportunities for developers to offset biodiversity impacts while contributing to regional nature recovery projects. Whatever the recommended outcome, developers can only deliver BNG by relying on a BNG plan created by our team.

BNG Surveys for New Developments

Meeting BNG requirements in Lincolnshire begins with a detailed ecological assessment of the site. During the survey, a licensed ecologist will catalogue all existing habitats and species to establish a baseline biodiversity value. The first step is essential in areas such as the Lincolnshire Wolds, where protected landscapes require careful management to balance development with ecological preservation.

The data gathered during the survey informs a bespoke biodiversity net gain plan, which outlines strategies to enhance habitats, protect wildlife and achieve compliance with local planning policies. The plans are essential for securing planning permission, as they provide clear evidence that the development will meet or exceed the biodiversity targets of the mandatory condition.

A robust BNG plan not only facilitates the approval process but also ensures long-term benefits for the county’s natural environment. Alternatively, the plan might state that the developer will need to invest in off-site biodiversity units and create conservation covenants with landowners or purchase statutory biodiversity credits from government-approved sellers if changes to onsite habitat prove insufficient.

Speak to the Experts on Biodiversity Net Gain

Our ecology team has years of experience helping developers navigate biodiversity net gain requirements, with a team of ecologists who understand the unique challenges, opportunities and frequently-spotted priority habitat in Lincolnshire. Whether your project is in a rural setting or a more urban area, we can provide expert advice and produce the minimum information needed to help you meet planning conditions.

To get started, fill out our quick quote form, call us or email us with details of your project. We’ll provide a free, no-obligation quote and – if you decide to proceed – arrange a convenient time to visit your site at a proposed earlier date. From there, we’ll deliver a comprehensive BNG plan tailored to your development, ensuring that the eventual planning application relates to your development site correctly and remains compliant with both local and national policies.