BNG Rapid Risk Report

Receive a BNG Rapid Risk Report Within 48 Hours

The introduction of biodiversity net gain (BNG) has added even more planning conditions for developers to operate within. It has affected a large number of developments throughout England since it became mandatory in January 2024 following multiple delays to a two-year transition period.

The biodiversity net gain requirement has accumulated further constraints to planning, insisting that the condition of the environment in applicable developments is retained at the same level before being increased by a further 10% and maintained for at least 30 years.

In the case of most affected planning projects, a biodiversity net gain plan will guide developers in taking the right steps to adhere to the new rules and obtain planning permission. As for anyone considering purchasing land for a planning project, quickly accessible assurances over the implications of BNG on the development are available in the form of a BNG rapid risk report.

Potential Reasons for a BNG Rapid Risk Report

More than anything, a BNG rapid risk report would be preferable to the usual biodiversity net gain process due to how quickly it can be undertaken and completed, with our team able to provide a turnaround of within 48 hours. If, for example, a developer is in the process of bidding on potential development sites, arranging a BNG risk report will enable our team to provide information about the likely biodiversity value of the site within an extremely small timeframe.

The report itself will set out an indication of any wildlife habitats that are considered high-value. Between such findings and the developer’s plans, it will be clear whether the site is suitable for the proposed development. It will also confirm if the natural habitats could have a negative impact on the cost of offsetting or if the present species could harm the planning application process, such as causing implications to the developable area of the site if it needs to be removed.

In addition to the above, successfully meeting the BNG policy early could help with remaining within tight project deadlines, delivering planning obligations ahead of the planning application stage, confirming a site’s suitability for the intended development work, and complying with the local plan policy, new legislation and existing protections such as local nature recovery strategies (LNRS) that could otherwise harm the project.

The Differences Between Our General BNG and Rapid BNG Services

One of the qualities that makes Arbtech unique is that we specialise in speed. Unlike other ecological consultancies, we carry out desk studies, conduct assessments and create reports and plans with an emphasis on being quicker than anyone else, helping you get planning permission granted quickly and efficiently.

While we always guarantee the quickest possible service, our bespoke BNG rapid risk report is especially fast. It is usually a solely desk-based assessment, and without the need to visit the site in person, index each ecological feature and evaluate them based on habitat type, size, condition and value, a lot of the general biodiversity net gain assessment process has been streamlined.

Instead of resulting in a biodiversity net gain plan setting out measurable improvements to reach the target condition of biodiversity on the site, a BNG rapid risk report simply displays all other habitats across the site and predicts the likelihood of protected species being present, making the decision of whether or not to go ahead with the site easier for the developer.

Elements of a Rapid Risk Report for BNG

Loads of new developments will be affected by biodiversity net gain, including in major applications for planning consent and nationally significant infrastructure projects. Other developments, however, will be treated differently under named exemptions, such as with custom housebuilding or self-build projects.

Irreplaceable habitats can come with massive financial implications especially when it comes to efforts to support biodiversity net gain, and that’s why a BNG rapid risk report would be a valuable asset. By instructing Arbtech, you can get the assurances you need before committing to a specific site.

If you want to know more about the process for producing a BNG rapid risk report, we’ve broken it down in the section below:

Assessment

Over the course of an extensive desk study, an ecological consultant will collect data from within the red-line boundary of the chosen location. Satellite images will be used to create a list of all visible habitats, and from there, it will be possible to make an educated and informed estimation of the number, type and condition of each habitat and the accumulative ecological value.

Report

A BNG rapid risk report consists of multiple parts, including:

1. Introduction and Context

• Introduction
• BNG Informative

2. Methodology

• Desk Study and Habitat Classification
• DEFRA Statutory Biodiversity Metric
• Assumptions and Limitations:
  Habitats Classification
  Condition Assessment
  Tree Specification
  Grasslands
  Ponds
  Scrub
  Woodland
  Watercourses
  Hedgerows

3. Results

• Habitat Classification and Unit Value
• Results Summary

4. Discussion

• Units Required to Achieve 10% BNG
  Area-Based Units
  Hedgerow Units
  Watercourse Units
• Habitats Likely to be of Notable Value
• Opportunities for Unit Creation
• Other Potential Constraints
  Statutory Sites
  Notable Habitats
  Protected Species
• Site Survey

The data provided in the BNG rapid risk report can then inform the developer on the nature of habitats present, as well as potentially indicate which protected species may also be occupying the site and what that could mean for the likely biodiversity value.

Contact Our Team for a BNG Rapid Risk Report

Are you thinking of buying land for a planning project and want an understanding of the ecological implications caused by biodiversity net gain? If that is the case, we can offer a tailored service that is bespoke to your needs and requirements, enabling you to see how BNG will affect your plans ahead of time and helping you to gauge if the site itself is suitable.

Simply contact our team and explain your circumstances, and we can instruct one of our ecological consultants to begin preparing a BNG rapid risk report for your site. It will then be completed within 48 hours, and you will be able to use it to make important decisions. From that point, if any other surveys are needed relating to ecology or arboriculture, we can assist with them too.