CIVITY NGE Blog

With mandatory biodiversity net gain (BNG) now extending to most development sites since April 2nd, 2024, many developers are asking whether small sites and biodiversity net gain follow the same rules as major developments. Let’s explore how the biodiversity net gain legislation affects smaller development sites and how off-site biodiversity units can help meet these requirements. Understanding Biodiversity Net Gain for Small Sites When it comes to biodiversity net gain and the planning process, small sites must meet the same fundamental 10% requirement as major developments. The biodiversity net gain legislation applies across different scales of development, with specific considerations for measuring biodiversity on smaller sites. What Defines a Small Development Site? Small sites in the context of biodiversity net gain typically include: Residential developments of 1 to 9 dwellings on less than 1 hectare of land or sites with less than 0.5 hectares and an unknown number of dwellings Commercial development with less than 1,000 square metres of floor space or sites with areas less than 1 hectare Important Considerations for Meeting BNG Requirements Understanding Pre-Development Biodiversity Value Before seeking off-site biodiversity units, your ecological consultant will need to: Assess your pre-development biodiversity value Calculate the biodiversity units needed Determine whether priority habitat is present on site The Statutory Biodiversity Metric While the small sites metric can simplify the process of measuring biodiversity, it’s crucial to note that it cannot be used if a priority habitat is present on your development site. In such cases, the statutory biodiversity metric must be used to calculate biodiversity value. How Off-Site Biodiversity Units Work When your ecological assessment identifies a net loss and the need for off-site biodiversity gains, we can help. Our services include: Providing off-site biodiversity units starting from 0.1 units (calculated to 4 decimal places) Supporting proper documentation of purchased units Reviewing information about purchased units in your biodiversity gain plan Understanding the Planning Process While we focus on providing off-site biodiversity units, it’s important to understand that your development will need: A biodiversity gain plan (prepared by your ecological consultant) Validation from your local planning authority Legal agreements to secure long term management if net gains are achieved on-site Alternative Options If off-site biodiversity units aren’t available through providers, statutory biodiversity credits from Natural England serve as a last resort option. Need Off-Site Biodiversity Units? If your ecological assessment has identified the need for off-site biodiversity gains, contact us to discuss how we can help meet your BNG requirements: 3a Orbis Wharf, Bridgers Court Road, SW11 3GW hello@civitynge.com 0208 050 6076 FAQ’S At what point in my development process should I contact Civity? You should seek off-site biodiversity units following your ecological consultant’s completion of their assessment and identification of a net loss requiring off-site biodiversity gains. We get involved after the initial biodiversity metric calculations are complete and the need for off-site units is established. What is the minimum number of biodiversity units I can purchase from Civity? We offer unit sales starting from as small as 0.1 units, with calculations carried to 4 decimal places. This approach helps make BNG more accessible and cost-effective for small sites. Who manages the land where my off-site BNG units are delivered? In over 95% of cases, we work through habitat management agreements with landowners who undertake the actual management of the land. Our ecologists at Civity work with the landowner to devise a habitat management plan that works best for both ecology and the landowner. Can I use the small sites metric for my development? While the small sites metric is available, it cannot be used if there is a priority habitat on your site or if your site doesn’t fall within the small sites definition. In such cases, you must use the statutory biodiversity metric instead. Your ecological consultant can advise which metric is appropriate for your site.

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: What minimum size of land do I need for biodiversity net gain? 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. Do I lose control of my land under a BNG agreement? 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. How long do BNG agreements last? 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. What happens if the habitat creation fails or is damaged? 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.