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Biodiversity net gain is a crucial aspect of sustainable development planning for local planning authorities. It provides an opportunity to enhance the natural environment and achieve measurable improvements in biodiversity. Local planning authorities play a vital role in implementing and maximising biodiversity net gain, ensuring that the natural environment is left in a better state than before.
Biodiversity net gain is an approach to development and land management that seeks to improve the natural environment by leaving it in a measurably better state than before. It involves minimizing impacts on biodiversity and providing net gains for biodiversity through the establishment of ecological networks and the conservation, restoration, and enhancement of priority habitats and species. The aim is to enhance the resilience of ecological systems in the face of current and future pressures.
By implementing biodiversity net gain, local planning authorities can play a key role in promoting the conservation and enhancement of biodiversity. Through this approach, development projects can contribute to the overall improvement of the natural environment, ensuring that the ecological networks are strengthened and vital habitats and species are protected.
Biodiversity net gain involves both on-site and off-site measures. On-site measures focus on enhancing biodiversity value within the boundaries of the project, while off-site measures involve biodiversity enhancements outside of the project area. By considering both on-site and off-site options, local planning authorities can work towards achieving holistic and sustainable biodiversity net gain.
Biodiversity net gain is an approach to development and land management that seeks to improve the natural environment by leaving it in a measurably better state than before. It involves minimizing impacts on biodiversity and providing net gains for biodiversity through the establishment of ecological networks and the conservation, restoration, and enhancement of priority habitats and species. The aim is to enhance the resilience of ecological systems in the face of current and future pressures.
By implementing biodiversity net gain, local planning authorities can play a key role in promoting the conservation and enhancement of biodiversity. Through this approach, development projects can contribute to the overall improvement of the natural environment, ensuring that the ecological networks are strengthened and vital habitats and species are protected.
Biodiversity net gain involves both on-site and off-site measures. On-site measures focus on enhancing biodiversity value within the boundaries of the project, while off-site measures involve biodiversity enhancements outside of the project area. By considering both on-site and off-site options, local planning authorities can work towards achieving holistic and sustainable biodiversity net gain.
Biodiversity net gain is crucial for the long-term health and resilience of our natural environment. As human activities continue to impact ecosystems, it is essential to prioritize the conservation and restoration of biodiversity. Biodiversity net gain provides a framework for achieving this by ensuring that development projects contribute to the enhancement of the natural environment.
By implementing biodiversity net gain, local planning authorities can ensure that developments not only minimize negative impacts on biodiversity but also actively improve the ecological value of the area. This can be achieved through various measures, such as creating new habitats, restoring degraded habitats, and enhancing existing habitats to support a range of species.
Furthermore, biodiversity net gain enhances the connectivity of ecological networks, which is vital for the movement and dispersal of species. By creating corridors and stepping stones between habitats, biodiversity net gain promotes the resilience of ecosystems and helps species adapt to environmental changes.
The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) sets out the existing policy on biodiversity net gain, highlighting the importance of planning policies and decisions in enhancing the natural and local environment. The NPPF emphasizes the need for local planning authorities to minimize impacts on biodiversity and provide net gains through the establishment of coherent ecological networks. These networks are essential in ensuring that habitats and species are more resilient to pressures and can thrive in the long term.
Local planning authorities are encouraged to promote the conservation, restoration, and enhancement of priority habitats and species. By doing so, they can contribute to the overall improvement of biodiversity and achieve measurable net gains. The NPPF recognizes the crucial role that local planning authorities play in implementing and maximizing biodiversity net gain, helping to create a more sustainable and resilient natural environment for future generations.
The NPPF provides clear guidance for local planning authorities on the importance of biodiversity net gain and its integration into planning policies and decisions. It highlights the need for ecological networks that connect habitats and enable the movement of species, essential for maintaining healthy ecosystems. These networks should be planned, protected, and enhanced to ensure their long-term sustainability.
Furthermore, the NPPF emphasizes the consideration of biodiversity in decision-making processes, encouraging local planning authorities to actively contribute to the enhancement of the natural and local environment. This includes identifying and addressing any negative impacts on biodiversity and assessing opportunities for net gains through appropriate mitigation and compensation measures.
| Policy Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Minimizing Impacts on Biodiversity | Local planning authorities should prioritize the avoidance of negative impacts on biodiversity. |
| Establishing Ecological Networks | Coherent ecological networks should be planned, protected, and enhanced to support biodiversity and enable species movement. |
| Conservation, Restoration, and Enhancement | Local planning authorities should promote the conservation, restoration, and enhancement of priority habitats and species. |
| Biodiversity Consideration in Decision-Making | Decisions should take into account the impacts on biodiversity, assessing opportunities for net gains through mitigation and compensation measures. |
The existing policy on biodiversity net gain outlined in the NPPF establishes a framework for local planning authorities to prioritize and integrate biodiversity considerations into their planning processes. By following these guidelines and actively pursuing net gains in biodiversity, local planning authorities can contribute to the overall enhancement of the natural environment and ensure its long-term sustainability.
Mandatory biodiversity net gain encompasses several key components that local planning authorities must adhere to in order to achieve measurable improvements in biodiversity. These components, outlined in the Environment Act, are essential for maximizing the success of biodiversity net gain initiatives:
These key components provide a framework for local planning authorities to implement and maximize the success of mandatory biodiversity net gain. By using the Biodiversity Metric, securing habitats, utilizing biodiversity credits, and maintaining a register of net gain delivery sites, local planning authorities can effectively enhance biodiversity and contribute to the improvement of the natural environment.
| Key Components | Description |
|---|---|
| The Biodiversity Metric | A habitat-based approach to measuring changes in biodiversity value resulting from development or land management. |
| Habitat Conservation | The requirement to secure habitats for at least 30 years through planning obligations or conservation covenants. |
| Biodiversity Credits | The use of biodiversity credits to achieve net gain when on-site or off-site measures are not feasible. |
| Net Gain Delivery Sites | The maintenance of a national register to track the implementation and progress of biodiversity net gain initiatives. |
The key components of mandatory biodiversity net gain, as outlined in the Environment Act, provide a comprehensive framework for local planning authorities to enhance biodiversity and achieve measurable improvements in the natural environment. By implementing these components, local planning authorities can play a vital role in conserving and protecting the diverse range of habitats and species that contribute to the overall health and resilience of ecosystems.
As part of the Environment Act, mandatory biodiversity net gain is set to be implemented from January 2024 for development under the Town and Country Planning Act. However, small sites are granted a delayed implementation until April 2024, allowing developers and local planning authorities more time to adjust. This timeline provides a clear roadmap for the rollout of biodiversity net gain requirements.
The implementation timeline starts with the relevant legislation being laid in November 2023, followed by the requirement for net gain to begin from January 2024. This ensures that developers and local planning authorities have sufficient time to familiarize themselves with the new obligations and make necessary preparations. It is important to note that Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects have a separate timeline, with implementation planned for 2025.
Overall, the implementation of mandatory biodiversity net gain marks a significant step forward in ensuring the protection and enhancement of biodiversity in development projects. By adhering to the implementation timeline, local planning authorities can effectively integrate biodiversity net gain requirements into their planning processes and contribute to the conservation of natural habitats and species.
| November 2023 | Legislation laid |
|---|---|
| January 2024 | Net gain requirement begins for Town and Country Planning Act development |
| April 2024 | Delayed implementation ends for small sites |
| 2025 | Implementation for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects |
It is important for local planning authorities to be aware of the implementation timeline and ensure that they are ready to meet the mandatory biodiversity net gain requirements. By being proactive and prepared, they can effectively contribute to the enhancement of biodiversity and the long-term sustainability of their local environments.
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Biodiversity net gain can be achieved through both on-site and off-site measures. On-site biodiversity net gain refers to the improvement in biodiversity value within the boundary of a project. This can include actions such as creating wildlife habitats, planting native vegetation, or implementing sustainable drainage systems that support local biodiversity. On-site measures are usually preferred as they directly enhance the ecological value of the development site itself.
However, there are cases where on-site measures may not be feasible due to site constraints or other factors. In such situations, off-site biodiversity net gain can be used to secure biodiversity improvements outside of the project’s boundary. Off-site measures may involve activities like habitat restoration, species reintroduction, or the creation of new habitats in nearby areas. These actions help to compensate for any biodiversity loss resulting from the development and contribute to the overall goal of achieving a net gain in biodiversity.
It is important to note that on-site measures are typically more effective in delivering biodiversity net gain since they directly benefit the local ecosystem and are more easily monitored and managed. However, off-site measures can play a valuable role in situations where on-site options are limited. Local planning authorities should consider the specific circumstances of each development project and determine the most appropriate combination of on-site and off-site measures to maximize biodiversity net gain.
| Biodiversity Net Gain Measure | Advantages | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| On-site biodiversity net gain |
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| Off-site biodiversity net gain |
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Overall, a combination of on-site and off-site measures can help achieve biodiversity net gain and ensure the long-term conservation and enhancement of local biodiversity. Local planning authorities play a crucial role in assessing the feasibility of on-site measures, exploring off-site options, and overseeing the implementation of biodiversity net gain strategies. By considering the unique characteristics of each development project and prioritizing the protection and restoration of biodiversity, local planning authorities can make significant contributions to biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.
The Biodiversity Metric is a crucial tool used to measure changes in biodiversity value resulting from development or changes in land management. It provides a standardized approach for assessing the losses or gains in biodiversity value, enabling the determination of biodiversity net gain. Developed by Natural England, the latest version of the Biodiversity Metric is version 4.0, published in March 2023.
This habitat-based approach allows planners and developers to quantify the impact of their projects on biodiversity. By using the Biodiversity Metric, they can measure the biodiversity value of a site before and after development, facilitating the identification of areas where improvements must be made to achieve net gains.
The Biodiversity Metric considers various factors, such as the quality and quantity of habitats, priority species, and connectivity. It provides a structured framework for assessing the ecological value of sites, ensuring that biodiversity net gain objectives are met. The upcoming statutory metric, based on version 4.0, will further streamline the process, making biodiversity measurement consistent and transparent.
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Ecological Units | Defines the different habitats and their ecological characteristics. |
| Habitat Quality Scores | Ranks the quality of habitats, considering their condition and potential for supporting biodiversity. |
| Length/Size | Accounts for the size and extent of habitats, considering their contribution to ecological networks. |
| Connectivity | Evaluates the connectivity of habitats, assessing their ability to support movement of species. |
| Priority Species | Considers the presence of species of conservation concern and their dependence on specific habitats. |
The Biodiversity Metric plays a fundamental role in achieving biodiversity net gain by providing a standardized and quantifiable measure of biodiversity value. It enables planners and developers to assess the ecological impact of their projects and implement targeted measures to enhance biodiversity. By using this metric, local planning authorities can ensure that the natural environment is protected and improved, leaving a positive legacy for future generations.
A biodiversity gain plan is a crucial document in the context of mandatory biodiversity net gain. It outlines the strategies and actions that a development project will employ to achieve the required net gain objective for biodiversity. Local planning authorities play a vital role in reviewing and approving these plans to ensure that the development meets the necessary criteria for biodiversity enhancement.
The biodiversity gain plan should address several key aspects. Firstly, it should outline how the development will minimize impacts on habitats and biodiversity. This may include measures such as avoiding sensitive areas or habitats, implementing mitigation strategies, or incorporating green infrastructure into the project design. Secondly, the plan should define the pre- and post-development biodiversity value of the on-site habitat, demonstrating the net gain that will be achieved through the project.
Additionally, the biodiversity gain plan should consider the biodiversity value of any off-site habitat that will be provided. This may involve securing land for conservation or restoration purposes in locations outside of the project’s boundaries. The use of biodiversity credits should also be outlined if applicable. These credits can be used to compensate for any residual biodiversity impacts that cannot be adequately addressed on-site or through off-site measures. Finally, any additional requirements set out in secondary legislation should be addressed in the biodiversity gain plan to ensure compliance.
By reviewing and approving biodiversity gain plans, planning authorities play a crucial role in ensuring that development projects contribute to the overall net gain objective for biodiversity. This helps to create a more sustainable and ecologically resilient built environment that benefits both local communities and the natural environment.
The Environment Act introduces the concept of a national biodiversity credits scheme, offering a mechanism for developers to achieve biodiversity net gain when on-site or off-site measures are not feasible. The scheme allows the UK government to sell biodiversity credits to developers, providing an alternative means of contributing to habitat creation and achieving biodiversity net gain.
The national biodiversity credits scheme operates by selling biodiversity credits at a higher price than equivalent biodiversity gain available on the market. These credits can be purchased by developers who are unable to deliver the required biodiversity net gains on-site or through the off-site market. The revenue generated from the sale of these credits will be used to fund habitat creation and restoration projects across the country.
The responsibility for selling statutory biodiversity credits lies with Natural England, who will act on behalf of the Secretary of State. This ensures that the biodiversity credits scheme is implemented effectively and in accordance with the provisions set out in the Environment Act. By establishing this scheme, the government aims to incentivize developers to prioritize biodiversity net gain and contribute to the overall enhancement of the natural environment.
The national biodiversity credits scheme presents a valuable opportunity for developers to support habitat creation and achieve biodiversity net gain, even when it may not be feasible on their specific site. By participating in the scheme, developers can make a significant contribution to the conservation and restoration of biodiversity, helping to create a more sustainable future for our natural environment.
As local planning authorities prepare for the implementation of biodiversity net gain, there are important exemptions and considerations to be aware of. One such exemption is for small sites, with a delayed implementation until April 2024. This provides developers and local planning authorities with additional time to adapt and alleviate initial burdens.
Additionally, the Environment Act allows for the exemption of irreplaceable habitats from the mandatory biodiversity net gain requirement. The government will consult on defining irreplaceable habitats and creating a proposed list of habitat types to be considered as such. This exemption recognizes the unique value and importance of certain habitats that may not be suitable for biodiversity net gain measures.
| Exemptions | Considerations |
|---|---|
| Delayed implementation until April 2024 for small sites | Consultation on defining irreplaceable habitats |
| Proposed list of habitat types exempted from net gain requirement |
These exemptions and considerations provide flexibility in the implementation of biodiversity net gain, ensuring that it can be effectively applied to diverse development scenarios while still achieving the overall goal of enhancing biodiversity. It is important for local planning authorities to stay informed about these exemptions and considerations and incorporate them into their biodiversity net gain strategies as necessary.
Local planning authorities play a crucial role in implementing and maximizing biodiversity net gain. To effectively prepare for the implementation of biodiversity net gain, local planning authorities can take several key actions:
By taking these actions, local planning authorities can proactively prepare for the implementation of biodiversity net gain, ensuring that they are well-equipped to achieve measurable improvements in biodiversity and contribute to the long-term conservation and enhancement of the natural environment.
“Local planning authorities play a crucial role in implementing and maximizing biodiversity net gain.”
Biodiversity net gain is a crucial aspect of sustainable development planning for local planning authorities. By maximizing biodiversity net gain, authorities can actively contribute to improving the natural environment, enhancing ecological networks, and protecting and restoring priority habitats and species.
The mandatory implementation of biodiversity net gain presents a unique opportunity to achieve measurable improvements in biodiversity and support long-term ecological resilience. With careful planning, collaboration with stakeholders, and adherence to the key components and requirements of biodiversity net gain, local planning authorities can play a pivotal role in conserving and enhancing biodiversity for the benefit of both people and nature.
In summary, biodiversity net gain is an essential tool in achieving sustainable development. It aims to leave the natural environment in a better state than before, ensuring that the impacts of development are minimized and that net gains for biodiversity are provided. By embracing this approach, local planning authorities can make a significant contribution towards protecting and enhancing the precious biodiversity that exists within their areas of jurisdiction.
Biodiversity net gain is an approach for local planning authorities to enhance the natural environment and achieve measurable improvements in biodiversity. It involves leaving the natural environment in a better state than before by minimizing impacts on biodiversity and providing net gains through ecological networks and the conservation, restoration, and enhancement of habitats and species.
The NPPF emphasizes the importance of planning policies and decisions contributing to the enhancement of the natural and local environment. It encourages the establishment of coherent ecological networks that are more resilient to pressures, promotes the conservation, restoration, and enhancement of priority habitats and species, and supports measurable net gains for biodiversity.
The key components include a minimum 10% gain in biodiversity calculated using the Biodiversity Metric, securing habitats for at least 30 years, delivering net gain on-site or off-site, and maintaining a national register for net gain delivery sites. The mitigation hierarchy of avoiding impacts, mitigating, and compensating is also maintained.
The implementation is planned for January 2024 for Town and Country Planning Act development, with exemptions and a delayed implementation for small sites until April 2024. Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects are planned for 2025.
The Biodiversity Metric is a habitat-based approach developed by Natural England to measure changes in biodiversity value resulting from development or changes in land management. It assesses the losses or gains in biodiversity value and is used in determining biodiversity net gain.
A biodiversity gain plan is a document that outlines how a development will deliver biodiversity net gain. It covers minimizing impacts on habitats, the pre- and post-development biodiversity value, the use of biodiversity credits, and any additional requirements set out in secondary legislation. It ensures that the development meets the net gain objective.
The national biodiversity credits scheme allows the UK government to sell biodiversity credits to developers if the required net gains cannot be achieved on-site or through the off-site market. Biodiversity credits will be sold at a higher price than equivalent biodiversity gain on the market, and the scheme enables developers to contribute to habitat creation and achieve net gain.
Yes, small sites have a delayed implementation until April 2024 to provide more time for adaptation. The Act also allows for the exemption of irreplaceable habitats from the mandatory net gain requirement. Consultations will be held to define irreplaceable habitat and the proposed list of habitat types.
Local planning authorities can consider how biodiversity net gain aligns with other local policy priorities, familiarize themselves with the Biodiversity Metric and guidance, incorporate net gain requirements into the local plan, publish relevant habitat creation priorities, become enforcing bodies for net gain, seek local expertise, and engage with local partners involved in net gain efforts.
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