As mandatory biodiversity net gain (BNG) becomes more established across England, it’s crucial to understand the implications of the biodiversity net gain maintenance period. At Civity, we help provide off-site biodiversity units while ensuring sustainable ecological value through our landowner partnerships.
Understanding Long-Term Requirements
The biodiversity net gain regulations mandate that biodiversity gains must be maintained for at least 30 years after planning permission is granted. This applies to both small sites and major developments, covering:
- Post-development biodiversity value maintenance
- Ongoing habitat management
- Monitoring of biodiversity gains
- Compliance with biodiversity gain objectives
The Planning Process Framework
Local planning authorities ensure compliance through the following:
- Review and approval of biodiversity gain plans
- Planning practice guidance
- Planning obligations
Managing Different Development Scenarios
Major Developments
Major developments need to be considered:
- Phased development approaches
- Redline boundary considerations
- Integration with existing local policies
- Detailed biodiversity gain plans
Small Sites
Smaller projects require:
- Proportionate monitoring requirements
- Practical ongoing management solutions
- Achievable enhancement targets
Key Components of Management
1. Biodiversity Metric Assessments
The statutory biodiversity metric compares:
- Pre-development biodiversity value
- Post-development biodiversity value
- Net gain achievement or net loss
2. Habitat Management Plans
Comprehensive plans must address the following:
Early Stages
- Initial habitat creation
- Habitat establishment
Long-Term Management
- Habitat maintenance
- Ongoing compliance
- Ecological value improvements
Legal Frameworks and Agreements
Management is secured through either:
- Section 106 Agreements with Local Planning Authorities
- Conservation Covenant agreements with Responsible Bodies
Development Proposals and Implementation
For relevant planning applications, consider:
- Development process requirements
- Biodiversity gains hierarchy compliance
- Integration with existing habitats
- Off-site biodiversity gains management
Financial Planning
If biodiversity net gain is to be delivered on-site, long-term funding must cover:
- Habitat management costs
- Monitoring and reporting
- Professional ecological guidance
- Contingency funding for rectification requirements
How Civity Supports Off-Site BNG
Our role focuses on:
- Providing off-site biodiversity units
- Supporting documentation for purchased units
- Working with landowners who manage sites
- Ensuring proper long-term management agreements
Conclusion
The 30+ year biodiversity net gain maintenance period represents a significant commitment. Whether you need off-site biodiversity units for your development or are exploring options for meeting BNG requirements, we can help provide the units you need through our established landowner partnerships.
Contact us to discuss your off-site biodiversity unit needs and how we can support your long-term biodiversity net gain requirements.
3a Orbis Wharf, Bridgers Court Road, SW11 3GW
Frequently Asked Questions
When submitting planning applications, developers must demonstrate how they’ll achieve a minimum 10% biodiversity net gain through their biodiversity gain plan. Your ecological consultant will calculate pre-development biodiversity value using the statutory biodiversity metric and show how post-development biodiversity value will be enhanced and maintained throughout the 30-year maintenance period. Local planning authorities will only grant planning permission when satisfied that the development proposals meet the biodiversity gain objective and include appropriate legal agreements for long-term management.
If you can’t deliver sufficient biodiversity net gain on-site, you have several options following the biodiversity gain hierarchy. These include purchasing off-site biodiversity units from providers like Civity, who work with landowners to deliver long-term habitat management. As a last resort, statutory biodiversity credits may be available through Natural England when no other options are viable.
For off-site biodiversity units purchased through Civity, we work with landowners who take responsibility for habitat management under formal agreements. Our sites operate through these landowner partnerships, ensuring proper maintenance throughout the 30-year period. Regular monitoring and reporting ensure compliance with requirements.
The ongoing management of biodiversity gains must adapt to changing conditions while maintaining the committed biodiversity value. For off-site units purchased through us, our landowner partners work within the framework of their management agreements to maintain required biodiversity values throughout the maintenance period.
