Enhancing the Natural Environment Through BNG
Supported by the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, the Environment Act 2021 marked a shift in how the natural environment is managed within the planning system. Central to this is biodiversity net gain (BNG) – a policy that requires all eligible new developments to result in a measurably better state for biodiversity post-construction. It is calculated using the UK government-sanctioned biodiversity metric, ensuring that each development site achieves at least a 10% net gain compared to its pre-development condition.
Though BNG was introduced as part of the 2021 Act, it became a mandatory requirement for most major developments in February 2024, and for small sites from April 2024. Developers in Nottingham must now demonstrate to Nottingham City Council and broader Nottinghamshire County Council how they will leave the natural environment in a better condition than they found it, or risk delays and potential refusal of their planning applications.
For many projects, this involves detailed ecological work, calculations of biodiversity value, and robust design proposals that align with the biodiversity gain hierarchy. Where on-site enhancement is not feasible, offsite biodiversity units or statutory credits backed by the central government may be required as a last resort.
Nottingham’s Local Policy Framework
To meet the biodiversity net gain requirements, local planning authorities across Nottingham and wider Nottinghamshire have incorporated BNG principles into their development plans and broader planning policy frameworks. These are supported by a supplementary planning document that offers clear explanations and tools for integrating BNG into various development site contexts.
Developers must ensure their proposals align with the city’s local nature recovery strategy – part of the national local nature recovery framework intended to reverse biodiversity loss. The strategy outlines priority areas for new habitats and highlights local wildlife corridors and sites of special scientific interest (SSSI) where any adverse effect will be heavily scrutinised.
In particular, projects that impact irreplaceable habitat or contribute to ecological fragmentation must provide significant enhancements elsewhere or risk rejection. The enhancements may include habitat creation, connectivity measures or investments in off-site units that contribute to long-term ecological recovery.
Navigating the BNG Planning Process
Complying with BNG in Nottingham requires developers to undertake a structured and evidence-based planning process backed by professional ecological assessments. The assessments compare the pre and post biodiversity conditions of a development site and are used to calculate net change using the biodiversity metric.
A qualified ecologist will record the habitat types, species present and condition of the site in its current state. Using the project’s design plans, a second assessment estimates the post-development habitats and determines whether the required 10% net gain will be met. If not, options include redesign, new habitats on-site or arranging off-site biodiversity units through habitat banks.
The mitigation hierarchy must guide this process: avoid damage first, then minimise impacts, restore what’s been degraded, and compensate only when essential. Developers must also submit a draft habitat management strategy, and later, a full habitat management and monitoring plan (HMMP), which becomes a pre-commencement condition under planning approval.
A biodiversity net gain plan must define a clear timeframe provided of typically at least 30 years, during which ecological improvements are maintained. Without this, local authorities will not validate or approve the application.
Long-Term Gains and High Strategic Significance
BNG in Nottingham isn’t just a compliance exercise – it’s an opportunity for developers to deliver tangible and lasting benefits. Whether you’re working on a residential build, commercial unit or nationally significant infrastructure projects, BNG should be viewed as an investment in local environmental capital.
Sites of high strategic significance – especially those within biodiversity focus areas or close to sensitive ecological zones – will be held to stricter standards. In these cases, legal agreements may be required to ensure delivery of significant enhancements and avoid each potential adverse effect on nearby ecosystems.
Integrating BNG also opens doors for collaboration with Natural England, local conservation bodies and environmental planners. Developers willing to invest early in habitat creation and restoration not only meet policy demands but also help habitats establish themselves, which serves as an asset for surrounding communities.
Most importantly, projects must take responsibility for post-development ecological health. It includes resourcing the maintenance and monitoring of all new or restored habitats for decades – as required under the general biodiversity gain condition – to prove that gains are long-term and meaningful.
Expert Support for BNG Compliance in Nottingham
Working with experienced ecological consultants in Nottingham can streamline your BNG journey. From assessing your development site to navigating the planning process, we ensure that your project satisfies every BNG requirement, whether through on-site measures, off-site units or biodiversity credits.
Our specialists provide guidance on every possible consideration and understand Nottingham’s local planning authorities, local nature recovery strategy and current policy guidance. We also liaise directly with Natural England and city planners to guarantee that your project is future-proof and ecologically compliant.
Every project receives a tailored assessment, with further information provided in clear documentation. Whether you need a bat survey, full habitat analysis or a detailed habitat management and monitoring plan, we’ll help you meet your ecological obligations while adding long-term value to your scheme. To get started, contact us for a no-obligation quote. With our expert guidance, you can meet all biodiversity net gain requirements, protect Nottingham’s natural environment, and leave the natural environment in a better state than you found it.