Biodiversity Net Gain – Suffolk County Council

Implementation of Biodiversity Net Gain in Suffolk

A core principle of the Environment Act 2021, biodiversity net gain (BNG) aims to ensure that development projects contribute positively to nature recovery efforts. To do this correctly, developers are supposed to enhance the natural environment and deliver at least a 10% net gain post-construction. Rather than merely maintaining existing biodiversity levels, developers must use the input of a competent person in ecology to implement measures that leave biodiversity quality in a measurably better state than before development occurred and make it last for at least 30 years.

To facilitate a smooth transition, the UK government introduced a two-year preparatory period, allowing local councils and developers to familiarise themselves with BNG requirements before enforcement becomes mandatory. Many local authorities across England – including Suffolk County Council – have taken a proactive stance, encouraging developers to demonstrate how their projects will achieve BNG well in advance of the official deadline. As of 2024, however, mandatory BNG has been an active consideration for a large number of development projects and applicable small sites projects.

Local Policies Governing Biodiversity Net Gain

Recognising the impact of BNG on the planning process, Suffolk’s local authorities have established clear guidelines to help developers integrate biodiversity improvements into their projects. One such document is the Biodiversity Net Gain Interim Planning Guidance Note, which outlines how new developments should account for ecological enhancements and mitigate biodiversity loss as part of efforts to satisfy the planning policy.

Such regulations apply to all development projects meeting certain criteria, including sites measuring 0.1 hectares or larger and those that may impact protected habitats or species. Developers must follow a structured approach, which includes conducting ecological surveys at appropriate times of the year and submitting biodiversity reports to the relevant planning authority. Adhering to these steps significantly increases the likelihood of obtaining planning approval.

Incorporating BNG into Development Projects

Following royal assent of the Environment Act, BNG became a legal requirement for most developments across England, with only a few exceptions. Suffolk’s local planning authorities now require all applicable proposals to provide robust evidence of compliance with BNG principles and protective measures over existing habitats of priority species before they can be considered for approval.

For developers, integrating BNG correctly is essential to gaining planning consent. A key step in this process is commissioning an ecological consultant to assess the site for most types of rare wildlife species, ensure all necessary measures are in place to meet BNG obligations, and weigh up any overlap between ecological features and the proposed development.

Ecologists evaluate a site by measuring and comparing the site’s biodiversity value before and after development. A standardised biodiversity metric will quantify and compare pre-development and post-development readings. From there, if the assessment reveals a shortfall, the consultant will recommend specific actions to offset losses and achieve at least a 10% biodiversity increase.

Developing a Biodiversity Net Gain Plan

Understanding BNG principles is useful, but it does not replace the need for a formal biodiversity net gain plan. Before construction begins, an ecological consultant must visit the site, carry out a detailed assessment, and compile a plan and report outlining the steps required to achieve the mandated biodiversity improvements. It will contain a list of each priority habitat present, the current baseline value and the predicted value, and steps in the development process to secure enough BNG units.

Based on the mitigation hierarchy, an ecological consultant will aim to achieve BNG on the development site by enhancing existing habitats, replacing low-quality habitats and utilising habitat creation to contribute to new habitats. If it isn’t possible, however, off-site measures are available as a last resort, such as buying biodiversity units from external site owners or statutory credits from providers approved by Natural England.

A well-prepared BNG plan significantly improves the chances of securing planning consent, making it vital for local authorities when determining planning applications. They provide evidence-based assessments of how a development will enhance biodiversity, ensuring projects align with Suffolk County Council’s conservation goals. Once completed, BNG plans should be submitted to the local planning officer to support the application process with all necessary further information contained.

Get Expert Assistance with BNG

The team at Arbtech assemble bespoke biodiversity net gain plans at competitive prices and can also support other aspects of the process, such as helping with completing the biodiversity gain plan form. By approaching our services on a client-by-client basis, we can ensure that what we do matches the specific needs of each development. The cost of our ecological surveys is based on the size of the site and the complexity of the project, so you only pay for what you need.

To begin, simply contact us by phone, fill out our online quote form, or visit our contact page. Once we receive the necessary details, we’ll provide a free, no-obligation quote for conducting a BNG assessment and preparing a comprehensive BNG plan. If you choose to proceed, our experienced team will work with you to meet Suffolk County Council’s planning requirements, give you everything you need for planning applications submitted to the local planning authorities, and help you secure a successful outcome for your project.