Biodiversity Net Gain – Northumberland County Council

Consideration for Potential Future Environmental Concerns

With the introduction of the Environment Act in November 2021, biodiversity net gain (BNG) became a pivotal policy for protecting and improving the natural environment during development projects across England. Under the policy, developers are required to demonstrate a minimum 10% improvement in biodiversity value on their sites once construction is complete and sustain it for a minimum of 30 years, ensuring that developments contribute positively to the environment.

Though there was a two-year transition period to allow developers and councils to adjust, the policy became mandatory in February 2024. Northumberland County Council is among the authorities leading the way in implementing BNG, requiring developers to meet the policy’s standards and submit evidence of compliance as part of their planning applications. It ensures that Northumberland’s natural heritage – spanning iconic coastal ecosystems, upland peatlands and ancient forests – is protected for future generations.

Policies that Encourage Wildlife in Northumberland

Northumberland County Council has embedded the principles of biodiversity enhancement and protection into its core planning documents, like Northumberland Local Plan and its supporting environmental strategies which include such initiatives as a woodland creation scheme and any process that has involved establishing nature recovery. The policies are designed to safeguard local habitats, enhance biodiversity and meet national and regional ecological targets, effectively helping to combat global warming and climate change on a more local scale.

A key document guiding biodiversity efforts in the county is the Northumberland Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP) which outlines steps to protect priority habitats and species with help from the Northumberland Wildlife Trust such as each upland and lowland hay meadow, as well as freshwater pearl mussels and red squirrels. The plan emphasises the need to integrate biodiversity net gain into developments, providing practical guidance for developers to meet the requirements. Examples include exercises to improve existing habitats from a poor condition to a good condition and, at the same time, plant and install new habitats.

Notably, the council encourages developers to aim higher than the statutory 10% gain in ecologically sensitive areas like the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), Mid Northumberland National Character Area and the North Pennines, reflecting the council’s commitment to long-term environmental enhancement. The ambitions align with national objectives while addressing the county’s unique biodiversity challenges and opportunities. In any case, developers can only truly show that they’ve fully supported the mandate with a BNG plan.

Effect of BNG on North East Developers

Introduced as part of the 2019 Spring Statement and formalised under the Environment Act 2021, biodiversity net gain is now a legal requirement for most developments in England. While some projects are exempt, most must adhere to this policy to avoid delays, fines or even rejected planning applications. As with determining the environmental condition of all areas, in Northumberland, achieving BNG starts with a detailed site assessment.

The assessment itself is conducted using the DEFRA biodiversity metric – a tool for evaluating existing habitats and species on the site, including protected wildlife and ecologically significant features like ancient hedgerows or peatlands. For example, developers might need to account for wading birds in the county’s coastal areas or address the ecological value of woodland near a lowland meadow close to Hexham or within Earsdon West Forest.

The results of this assessment inform the planning process, helping developers implement measures to achieve the required 10% biodiversity improvement – or potentially higher if encouraged by local policy. In cases where on-site enhancements are not feasible, developers can offset their impact through the option to buy units from other landowners on a BNG market or purchase statutory credits from a government-approved provider.

Analysis of Significant Changes to Development Sites

Even with a transition period, many developers and local authorities in Northumberland have had to adapt quickly to the BNG requirements. While general knowledge of biodiversity net gain is helpful, developers will need expert guidance from an ecological consultant in the form of a biodiversity net gain plan to ensure full compliance. Although it may sound like a very complex process, it is actually relatively straightforward and makes a lot of sense in how it’s undertaken.

An ecologist begins the process by conducting a comprehensive assessment of the development site, identifying ecological features such as priority habitats, significant species and areas of conservation value. In Northumberland, this might include surveying heathlands in the Cheviots, examining freshwater habitats for otters, or evaluating moorland ecosystems. The results of this assessment and baseline survey data feed into the BNG plan, which includes the current ecological baseline, the expected impact of the development, and measures to enhance biodiversity.

The plan might also outline additional strategies, such as suitable land and habitat management techniques, habitat creation, or relocating species under the mitigation hierarchy. If, however, enough BNG units cannot be achieved on-site, the equivalent gain will need to be obtained from professionals who own land off-site and register biodiversity units within a habitat bank. Developers can then compensate the habitat units by buying the same quantity at the right potential market value from a landowner. Failing that, statutory biodiversity credits are also available from government sources.

Instruct Arbtech to Measure Biodiversity Value for You

Ever since the policy was announced, Arbtech has been absolutely determined to stay at the forefront of biodiversity net gain consulting. With a team of experienced ecologists familiar with Northumberland’s diverse landscapes, we are well-equipped to help developers navigate the requirements and ensure successful outcomes for their projects and the same success for each and every client.

If you’re working on a development in Northumberland – whether in the coastal areas, market towns or rural uplands – we can supply you with a Northumberland county ecologist to help you meet BNG requirements. Our team will use their ecological knowledge and understanding of local nature recovery needs to assess your site, calculate biodiversity metrics, and provide a detailed plan tailored to your project’s needs.

To get started, fill out our quick quote form or contact us directly. We recommend sharing as much detail about your project as possible so we can provide a precise, no-obligation quote. Once you’re ready to proceed, we’ll schedule a site visit, complete your biodiversity net gain plan, and take a hands-on approach to help you secure planning permission while contributing to Northumberland’s ecological future.