Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is a legal requirement for most planning applications in England under the Environment Act 2021. It means that new developments must deliver at least a 10% increase in biodiversity value compared to what was there before.
It ensures that development leaves nature in a better state than it was before. This is measured using a government-approved tool called the Statutory Biodiversity Metric, which calculates the value of habitats on a site before and after development.
Biodiversity Net Gain can be delivered:
- on-site: by creating or improving habitats within the development area
- off-site: by enhancing habitats elsewhere
- off-site: by purchasing biodiversity units from a registered habitat bank
- using statutory credits: as a last resort, that developers can buy from the government
Biodiversity Net Gain must be maintained for at least 30 years.
Application requirements
When submitting a planning application to Lincolnshire County Council, applicants must:
- Check if BNG applies to their development (some types are exempt).
- Submit a Biodiversity Gain Statement with their application, including:
- A completed Statutory Biodiversity Metric. This will be required as part of the planning application validation process and should be completed by a competent person, normally an ecologist.
- Maps showing existing and proposed habitats along with condition assessments.
- Details of any irreplaceable habitats.
- Provide a Biodiversity Gain Plan before starting development, showing how the 10% gain will be achieved.
- Provide a Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan if required setting out how gains will be managed and monitored for at least 30 years.
- Enter into legal agreements if required (e.g. Section 106 or conservation covenants) to secure long-term habitat management and any monitoring fees.
View the Biodiversity Net Gain planning guidance document setting out the above requirements in detail.
Exemptions
Some developments are exempt from BNG requirements, including:
- householder applications (e.g. extensions, loft conversions)
- small self-build or custom-build housing (with restrictions)
- very small developments (under 25m² or 5m of hedgerow) that don’t affect priority habitats
- certain permitted developments and infrastructure projects
For full details, visit BNG Exemptions - GOV.UK
Help and further information
- BNG Planning Practice Guidance - GOV.UK
- Statutory Biodiversity Metric tool and guidance - GOV.UK
- Biodiversity Gain Plan template - GOV.UK
- Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan guidance and template - GOV.UK
For advice on BNG and planning applications in Lincolnshire, please contact the County Council’s planning team.