Implementing biodiversity net gain (BNG) has been transforming England’s planning process since February 2024. Development sites now must deliver measurable net gains in biodiversity value, creating new opportunities for farmers through habitat creation and enhancement. This fundamental shift in how local planning authorities approach planning permission has established an active market for biodiversity units.
The Current BNG Landscape
Under the Environment Act 2021, most development proposals must now complete a biodiversity gain plan demonstrating at least a 10% gain in biodiversity value.
This applies to:
- Major development sites requiring planning permission
- Development proposals impacting existing habitats
- Projects needing outline planning permission
- Most planning applications, with limited exemptions
Small sites have been included since April 2024, expanding the need for biodiversity credits and units.
How the Planning Process Works Now
The statutory biodiversity metric calculates both pre-development biodiversity value and development biodiversity value. Developers must:
- Submit a biodiversity net gain plan to their relevant local planning authority
- Meet the biodiversity gain objective through:
- On-site habitat creation
- Off-site biodiversity gains
- Statutory biodiversity credits as a last resort
Local nature recovery strategies guide where habitat enhancement delivers the most value, while conservation covenants and SE106 agreements ensure protection through legal agreements.
The Role of DEFRA’s Biodiversity Metric
The biodiversity metric calculations provide the following:
- Standardised ecological value assessment
- Clear development proposals evaluation
- Post-development biodiversity projections
- Framework for measuring biodiversity gains
Opportunities in the BNG Market
Creating a Biodiversity Gain Site
Farmland can be registered on the biodiversity gain site register to offer:
- Natural environment enhancement
- Protected species habitats
- Measurable net gains
- Long-term conservation value
- Support for local communities
Transform Your Land’s Potential: The BNG Opportunity
With mandatory biodiversity net gain now embedded in the national planning policy framework, farmers have a clear path to generate sustainable income while enhancing biodiversity. The market for biodiversity units continues to grow as development projects seek to fulfil their planning obligations.
The planning process for farmers, BNG has demonstrated several key benefits:
- Secure 30+ year income through planning obligation commitments (BNG unit sales)
- Professional habitat management advice and ecological expertise
- Clear legal agreements protecting landowner interests
- Support for natural capital and ecological value
- Contribution to local nature recovery strategies
For farmers interested in joining those already benefiting from BNG, consulting with a professional broker can help navigate registering your land as a habitat bank, interpreting the guidance, and maximise your land’s potential.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Generally, we look for sites of around 10 hectares or more. However, this doesn’t need to be a single plot – we can work with multiple smaller parcels of land that total 10 hectares. Equally, we don’t have a maximum site size! Feel free to contact us to have a conversation about what’s possible on your land.
No. When working with a landbank broker like Civity, you retain ownership of your land. The agreement is typically a lease arrangement where specific areas are designated for habitat enhancement. You stay in control of the habitat management on your land and maintain overall ownership rights.
BNG agreements must secure biodiversity gains for a minimum of 30+ years. This provides a guaranteed long-term income stream. During this period, the landbank broker takes on the liabilities and risks associated with maintaining the biodiversity value of the site.
When working with a professional landbank broker, you bear no risk. As long as the management outlined in the Habitat Management Agreement is undertaken by the landowner (if they wish to sign and undertake a Habitat Management Agreement). The broker assumes all responsibility for meeting biodiversity targets, including managing risks from weather events or other natural factors. You continue to receive your agreed payments regardless of any unforeseen challenges with habitat management.
