Biodiversity Net Gain

Biodiversity net gain (BNG) is a way of creating and improving natural habitats. BNG makes sure development has a measurably positive impact (‘net gain’) on biodiversity, compared to what was there before development. BNG is calculated using a biodiversity metric, which measures the biodiversity value of habitats in biodiversity units. The metric can be used to calculate how a development might change the biodiversity value of a site. It can help you to design, plan and make land management decisions that better support biodiversity. For more information on the metric please see Calculate biodiversity using the biodiversity metric - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

Mandatory 10% Biodiversity Net Gain (as set out in the Environment Act 2021) applies for new applications for planning permission for major development made from 12 February 2024 and on small-scale applications from 2 April 2024. There are exemption developments from BNG, for more information on this please see Biodiversity net gain: exempt developments - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

If you believe that your proposals are exempt as they are ‘self-build’, please ensure that you are on the councils self-build register Self-build and Custom Housebuilding Register | South Derbyshire District Council. Evidence of this will need to be provided on submission of a relevant application.

The following webpage sets out the legislation The Biodiversity Gain (Town and Country Planning) (Modifications and Amendments) (England) Regulations 2024 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

For more information in relation to BNG and planning applications please contact planning@southderbyshire.gov.uk.