The introduction of biodiversity net gain (BNG) under the Environment Act has reshaped the planning system for development projects across England. For developers, understanding how grassland BNG units are for sale – what developers need to know – is critical to achieving compliance while keeping projects on track. With BNG requirements now a legal requirement, securing the right balance between on-site enhancements and off-site biodiversity units has become a key consideration for both major developments and smaller schemes.
What Are BNG Units, and Why Do They Matter?
BNG units measure the ecological value of habitats, both before and after development. Using the official biodiversity metric, the pre-development biodiversity value of a site is compared with the proposed biodiversity gains from habitat creation and or enhancement. To secure planning permission from local planning authorities, developers must demonstrate a measurable increase of at least ten per cent.
If a development site fails to yield sufficient biodiversity gains on-site, developers have the option to purchase off-site units from a BNG habitat bank or, as a final resort, purchase statutory biodiversity credits from Natural England. This creates a growing BNG market where grassland BNG units are among the most sought after due to being a habitat commonly impacted on development sites.
The Role of Grassland BNG Units
Grasslands are a vital part of the natural environment, supporting a wide range of habitat communities. Because of this, grassland BNG units often hold significant biodiversity value. Developers may need to purchase grassland units to offset biodiversity loss if their projects have impacted similar grassland habitats, ensuring that like-for-like compensation is achieved.
Through carefully managed habitat banks, land managers create or enhance grassland habitats, providing off-site biodiversity gains that can be sold to developers. This approach not only helps developers achieve BNG policy compliance but also supports nature recovery and benefits local communities through the creation of new habitats.
On-Site vs Off-Site Options
Developers are expected to follow the biodiversity gain hierarchy, starting with habitat improvements on their land. However, not every development site has the capacity to achieve the necessary uplift in site biodiversity units, especially in dense urban areas.
When on-site measures are insufficient, off-site habitat options provide a flexible route to achieve BNG. Buying BNG units through a purchase agreement with a unit provider can offer certainty and reduce delays, provided that the site is registered on the Gains Site Register and a legal agreement is in place to secure the long-term delivery of the habitat improvements (or that these agreements will be in place by the time the landowner needs to purchase the units in full).
Key Considerations for Developers
For those seeking grassland BNG units for sale, there are several key considerations. Developers must work with a consultant ecologist, in most cases, to calculate the number of biodiversity units their project requires by first establishing the site’s pre-development biodiversity baseline. They must then determine whether the required biodiversity gains can be achieved on-site or if off-site units will be needed to meet their obligations.
When relying on off-site units. The planning system requires full details of any biodiversity gain plan, including the location of units – developers should search for local biodiversity units as a priority, to maximise ecological value and comply with BNG policy. Units can be sourced from further afield, but more units may need to be purchased due to the spatial risk associated. habitat types involved.
The Importance of Legal Agreements and Monitoring
BNG delivery involves more than simply purchasing biodiversity units; it requires long-term, legally binding commitments. For on-site gains, developers must secure the habitat enhancements through a legal mechanism, such as a planning condition, a planning obligation (Section 106 agreement) to ensure the improvements are delivered and maintained for at least 30 years. For off-site gains, the land providing the biodiversity units must also be secured through a legal agreement, typically a conservation covenant or Section 106, guaranteeing the same long-term management and protection. In both cases, ongoing monitoring and reporting is required to demonstrate that the habitats are being maintained in the promised condition and that the biodiversity net gain units are delivering genuine, measurable improvements.
The Growing BNG Market
As new developments continue to expand, demand for off-site biodiversity units is increasing. This demand is creating new income streams for land managers while providing developers with reliable ways to meet their BNG requirements. For many, purchasing grassland BNG units is the most practical and effective way to meet obligations without causing a net loss of biodiversity.
Supporting Developers Through the Transition
At Civity, we provide an end-to-end service that connects landowners and developers to deliver high-quality grassland BNG units. We work closely with landowners to identify suitable sites and support them through the process of habitat creation, management planning, and formal registration, ensuring that biodiversity units are produced in line with BNG requirements. At the same time, we work with developers to supply the right types of units to meet their project obligations, simplifying what can often be a complex and technical process.
Our expertise in habitat delivery, ecology and regulatory compliance ensures that every transaction supports genuine biodiversity gains while helping developers meet their legal requirements under the Environment Act. By bridging the gap between unit supply and demand, we make it easier for all parties to achieve measurable, long-term improvements for nature.
