The implementation of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) legislation in February 2024 - Find a freedom of information request

Since the implementation of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) legislation in February 2024: 

1. The number of planning applications submitted to your local authority that were considered (a) large sites, (b) small sites as per the BNG classification 

2. What percentage of (a) large sites and (b) small sites had completed and submitted the relevant BNG documentation with their application (e.g. statement of applicability, pre-development biodiversity value of the on-site habitat, description of any irreplaceable habitat, on-site habitat plan)? 

3. What percentage of (a) large sites and (b) small sites planned to deliver the BNG (a) through fully onsite habitat creation and enhancement, (b) fully offsite compensation or (c) a combination of onsite/offsite 

4. The number of planning applications refused based on biodiversity-related concerns 

5. The number of staff working on implementing BNG at the end of 2023 and at the end of 2024.  

I can confirm that the information requested is held by Lincolnshire County Council. I have detailed below the information that is being released to you.

1. This information is publicly available on Lincolnshire County Council’s Planning Portal: https://lincolnshire.planning-register.co.uk/Search

It is recommended that the Advanced Search tool is used to define the dates

2. In order for an application to be validated, it is required to meet the statutory minimum validation requirements. As such, all validated applications met these requirements. Further details of the information submitted in relation to each application can be found on Lincolnshire County Council’s Planning Portal.

3. The legal requirement to deliver BNG is only finally confirmed through the Biodiversity Gain Plan, which is not able to be approved until after the planning application has been determined. At present, one development has confirmed delivery of BNG onsite.

4. No applications have been refused due to a conflict with the statutory BNG requirements.

5. In 2024 Lincolnshire County Council employed an ecologist.”