Biodiversity Net Gain – Middlesbrough Council

BNG for Middlesbrough Development Projects

A key component of the Environment Act 2021, biodiversity net gain (BNG) aims to improve the natural environment as part of planning projects across England. Designed to counteract biodiversity loss caused by development, BNG requires that the overall biodiversity value of a site increases by at least 10% after development compared to its original state.

Recognising the significant changes this policy brings to planning, the UK government introduced a two-year transition period to allow local councils and developers to adjust before full enforcement, and the many local planning authorities across the country began implementing BNG as a requirement early. With the transition period now over, however, the planning policy has become mandatory, and developers must comply to avoid delays or refusals in their planning applications.

Among the councils always taking proactive steps towards BNG enforcement is Middlesbrough Council. As a result, developers of planning projects in Middlesbrough and surrounding areas must consider the policy’s requirements and ensure that wildlife habitats are retained, improved and protected accordingly or risk encountering challenges during the planning approval process.

Middlesbrough Council’s Approach to Biodiversity Net Gain

To align with the BNG policy, Middlesbrough Council has outlined its commitment to enhancing local biodiversity through various planning policies and strategies. One such initiative is the Middlesbrough Green and Blue Infrastructure Strategy, which promotes habitat protection, ecological enhancement and sustainable development. The strategy ties in closely with BNG by ensuring that new developments contribute positively to the natural environment.

Middlesbrough Council also supports the Tees Valley Nature Partnership, which focuses on local nature recovery, habitat creation and environmental improvements across the region. Through these initiatives, the council provides a framework for developers to follow in meeting BNG requirements while supporting wider ecological restoration efforts.

By incorporating biodiversity net gain into its local planning policy, Middlesbrough Council ensures that developers understand their obligations, helping them plan projects that align with national legislation and local conservation goals. Key links to the national planning policy framework (NPPF) and new housing requirements only cement the BNG process in the local planning system.

The Role of BNG in Modern Planning

Since BNG was first announced in the 2019 spring statement, it has been a major part of planning law under the Environment Act 2021. Now a legal requirement for most major development proposals in England, failure to comply can lead to delays, financial penalties or planning refusals. That said, certain exemptions bypass biodiversity gain, such as specific minor development proposals and projects that fall under the de minimis exemption.

The success of a project’s BNG compliance is determined by measuring biodiversity value before and after development. A qualified ecologist will assess the site’s existing biodiversity using a biodiversity metric and then evaluate the impact of the proposed development. If the post-development biodiversity value falls short, the ecologist will recommend steps to bridge the gap using a pre-designed mitigation hierarchy.

Once the site reaches its pre-development biodiversity value, the ecologist will then propose additional ecological enhancements to achieve the required 10% net gain. Based on further information from the site and each present habitat type, it ensures that developments contribute positively to the environment while remaining compliant with planning regulations set and enforced by the relevant planning authority.

Conducting a Biodiversity Net Gain Assessment

While understanding BNG is beneficial for developers, compliance requires a formal BNG assessment conducted by a qualified ecological consultant. Ensuring that you are following the steps of the development process accordingly is especially important in areas like Middlesbrough, as BNG has been actively integrated into local planning policies.

During a site visit, an ecologist will evaluate existing habitats, flora and fauna to calculate the site’s current biodiversity value. They will also consult with the developer to assess the scale and nature of the project, allowing them to estimate the predicted biodiversity value post-development. Following the assessment, the ecologist will create a biodiversity net gain plan, outlining all findings, mitigation strategies and recommendations to meet the 10% net gain requirement.

The report serves as key evidence when applying for planning permission and helps to streamline the approval process with Middlesbrough Council. With a well-prepared BNG plan, developers can demonstrate compliance with national and local policies, reducing the risk of delays or planning refusals and ensuring that the necessary planning conditions are granted.

Get Expert Assistance with BNG Compliance

If your development site in Middlesbrough contains grassland, woodland, wetland or other natural habitats, correct and orderly BNG compliance is vital. Our experienced ecological consultants can guide you through the process, ensuring that your project aligns with Middlesbrough Council’s policies and national BNG regulations. Our team follows DEFRA, Natural England and CIEEM guidelines to provide accurate assessments and reliable BNG plans tailored to your project.

Whether you need assistance with on-site enhancements or you need to buy off-site biodiversity units or statutory credits from habitat banks or government-approved providers, we can help you meet all planning requirements. Anywhere from Middlesbrough’s Centre Square to a less notable green space, we are able to step in and help whenever a planner requires development and BNG to be integrated with one another.

If you require a BNG assessment for a Middlesbrough-based project, contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote. Simply call us, email us, or fill out our application form online, and we’ll provide an estimate based on your project details. Once you approve the quote, we’ll arrange a site visit with one of our licensed ecologists, guaranteeing that your project meets all BNG requirements and secures a successful planning application.