Biodiversity Net Gain – Worcestershire County Council

Worcestershire’s Approach to Biodiversity Net Gain

Biodiversity net gain (BNG) is a fundamental policy within the Environment Act 2021, designed to counterbalance the environmental impact of development projects and ensure long-term ecological benefits of the natural environment. Under the regulations, most new developments must not only preserve the existing level of biodiversity and local nature conservation but also enhance it by a minimum of 10% upon project completion.

Recognising the significant adjustments required to implement this policy, the government introduced a two-year transition period ending with the official rollout in February 2024, providing developers and planning authorities time to integrate BNG into their workflows. While some local councils delayed enforcement until BNG became a statutory requirement, Worcestershire County Council always proactively encouraged developers to demonstrate compliance with BNG guidelines, ensuring that biodiversity considerations were incorporated into planning applications well in advance of the legal mandate.

BNG Considerations in Worcestershire

Following the introduction of BNG within the Environment Act in November 2021, Worcestershire County Council released guidance to support developers in understanding and implementing the requirements. It also coincides with other relevant documents, such as the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and relevant legislation like the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010.

The guidance itself provides a detailed framework on how BNG is to be incorporated into the local planning system and broader development processes.

The Worcestershire BNG guidance outlines key factors for developers to consider, including:

• Calculating biodiversity value using DEFRA’s biodiversity metric
• The use of biodiversity units and credits
• Protection and enhancement of local ecological habitats
• Compliance with Worcestershire’s Green Infrastructure Strategy
• On-site and off-site compensation requirements
• Adherence to national and local planning policies
• The role of planning authorities in enforcing BNG

By following these structured guidelines, developers can ensure that their projects align with Worcestershire’s environmental objectives while meeting national BNG requirements.

Integrating BNG into the Planning Process

The Environment Act 2021 made biodiversity net gain a mandatory consideration for most development projects across England, with local planning authorities tasked with ensuring compliance in adequate protection of important habitats and, for example, sufficient enhancement to brownfield sites. In Worcestershire, developers must integrate BNG into their planning proposals or risk their planning applications to the local authorities being rejected.

Proper implementation of BNG is essential, as failure to adhere to the requirements could lead to significant project delays or denials. To ensure compliance, developers are encouraged to consult with ecological professionals who can assess their site’s existing biodiversity and determine necessary enhancements to meet the 10% net gain target.

Ecological consultants conduct site surveys to establish a baseline biodiversity value, which is then compared to the projected biodiversity value post-development. If a deficit is identified, mitigation strategies are devised to offset losses and achieve the required net gain. These measures can include habitat restoration, species reintroduction and the creation of green corridors to enhance biodiversity connectivity within the county.

Conducting Biodiversity Net Gain Assessments

While developers should develop a foundational understanding of BNG, professional ecological assessments remain essential for ensuring compliance. Licensed ecological consultants can conduct a thorough biodiversity assessment and produce a detailed biodiversity net gain plan to outline the necessary measures for achieving a net gain.

During a biodiversity net gain assessment, an ecologist will visit the site, catalogue all existing ecological features, and assess the potential impacts of the proposed development. Using DEFRA’s biodiversity metric, the ecologist will calculate both the current biodiversity value and the projected post-development value, allowing for precise adjustments to meet the mandated 10% increase. Alternatively, if it isn’t possible to achieve BNG on the site, ecological consultants can arrange to buy off-site units from habitat banks or – as a last resort – buy statutory biodiversity credits from approved sources.

A well-documented BNG plan not only helps developers meet regulatory requirements but also strengthens planning applications submitted to Worcestershire County Council. In collaboration with agencies such as Natural England, local planning authorities will review these reports to ensure developments contribute positively to the county’s ecological landscape.

Contact Us for Expert BNG Guidance

We reposition our biodiversity net gain services to the specific needs of your project, ensuring compliance with Worcestershire County Council’s planning regulations. For example, we can produce a biodiversity net gain plan just as easily as we can help you with completing a biodiversity gain plan document. Our team is able to provide accurate, site-specific quotes based on the scale and complexity of your development, allowing you to budget effectively for ecological assessments.

To get started, simply call us, fill out our online quote form, or visit our contact page. Our team of experienced ecologists will guide you through the process, from conducting biodiversity assessments to preparing comprehensive BNG reports that align with Worcestershire’s planning policies. Once you confirm your quote, we will arrange a site visit at a time convenient for you and assist in meeting all necessary planning conditions to secure project approval.