Property Developers’ Guide: How Biodiversity Consultancy Prevents Costly Planning Delays
The Cost of Overlooking Biodiversity in Planning For property developers, navigating the planning system has never been more complex—or more dependent on ecological compliance. With the introduction of mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) under the Environment Act, biodiversity has moved from a secondary consideration to a legal requirement. Understanding how biodiversity consultancy prevents costly planning […]
Beyond Checklists: How a Comprehensive Ecological Survey Protects Your Project and the Planet
In an era defined by rapid environmental change and an escalating biodiversity crisis, going beyond basic environmental checklists is no longer optional. For developers, planners and landowners, a comprehensive ecological survey is not just a regulatory hurdle—it’s a strategic asset for safeguarding both project viability and ecological integrity. At Civity, we undertake on-site species and […]
Biodiversity Net Gain: What Landowners Need to Know About the New Legal Landscape
Understanding Biodiversity Net Gain Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is now a legal requirement across England, transforming how development and land use are approached. For landowners, especially those in rural and peri-urban areas, the BNG framework opens new opportunities and responsibilities. The core principle is simple: any property development must leave biodiversity in a measurably better […]
Understanding Statutory Biodiversity Metrics: Tools and Resources Explained
Understanding how to measure biodiversity accurately is fundamental to achieving compliance with the Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) requirements set out under the Environment Act. At the centre of this process is the statutory biodiversity metric—a tool that helps assess the biodiversity value of a development site, evaluate potential biodiversity loss, and calculate the biodiversity gain […]
Biodiversity Net Gain: What Small Developments Need to Know Now
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is in force for most major development projects in England, and the rules apply to small development sites too. Whether you’re building one to nine dwellings or converting commercial space, understanding BNG is no longer optional.This post offers a detailed breakdown of “Biodiversity Net Gain: What Small Developments Need to Know […]
What land is suitable for a BNG habitat bank? key criteria explained
We work with landowners, developers, and local authorities to help deliver Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) that is legally compliant, ecologically sound, and financially viable. One of the most common questions we receive is: what land is suitable for a BNG habitat bank? In this blog, we explain the key criteria used to assess land for […]
What is a habitat management and monitoring plan? A practical guide for BNG projects
At Civity, we help landowners, developers, and planning authorities deliver meaningful, measurable outcomes under the Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) framework. One essential document that underpins the long-term success of a BNG project is the Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan (HMMP). In this guide, we answer the key question: What is a Habitat Management and Monitoring […]
What is additionality in BNG? Income stacking and eligibility explained.
At Civity, we work closely with landowners, developers, and local authorities to help deliver Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) in a way that’s practical, ethical, and legally sound. One of the most common and often confusing topics we encounter is additionality—especially when it comes to stacking environmental payments and understanding what’s eligible within the planning process. […]
BNG Section 106 Agreement Explained: Legal Requirements & Compliance
With mandatory biodiversity net gain now in effect under the Environment Act, understanding Section 106 agreements has become crucial for developers, landowners, and local authorities alike. As specialists in BNG solutions, we’ll explain how these planning obligations work within the biodiversity net gain framework and what they mean for your development projects. Understanding Section 106 […]
What Is a BNG Habitat Bank? A Guide for Developers & Landowners
Since the Environment Act made biodiversity net gain mandatory, habitat banks have become a crucial component in delivering the UK’s environmental objectives. We’re often asked to explain what habitat banks are and how they benefit both developers and landowners. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about BNG habitat banks. […]
