Biodiversity net gain requirements

The Council has produced an interim guidance note and checklist, to assist applicants in addressing the Local Plan, national planning policy and future legislative requirements for biodiversity net gain and ecological networks. This requirement is set out in Local Plan (Part One) policy ENV4, Local Plan (Part Two) policy DM 44, and where relevant made Neighbourhood Plan policies.  

Biodiversity net gain refers to a principle whereby development leaves biodiversity in a measurably better state than was currently present beforehand. The term generally relates to habitats, with protected/priority species and protected sites being covered by other legislation/policy requirements. The guidance note sets out the various ways development can achieve this, contributing positively to biodiversity and ecological networks in  a way that is measurable in accordance with the adopted development plan, with regard to national policy and emerging legislation such as the Environment Act 2021.

This guidance note is not intended to be an exhaustive guide to all aspects of biodiversity within the planning system. The approach to net gain does not override other biodiversity related principles or wildlife legislation, but is designed to complement them. The Local Plan (Part Two) policy DM 44 states that developments likely to have an impact upon protected sites, protected/priority species, priority habitats or geological sites must be accompanied by an ecological assessment.

This information sets out:

  • The biodiversity net gain checklist – what to consider in your planning application
  • What biodiversity net gain is and how to demonstrate it on relevant applications
  • Consideration of ecological networks, the links with net gain calculations and typical  requirements for different parts of the network.
  • Policy context and emerging legislation, guidance and standards