Understanding the Biodiversity Gain Plan
A guide to understanding the Biodiversity Gain Plan for developers in England, and how BNG Units Ltd can support you in the process.
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) requires developers to leave biodiversity in a measurably better state than before development. This must be done by delivering at least a 10% biodiversity net gain. Any development that is not exempt from these requirements must submit a Biodiversity Gain Plan (BGP) to its Local Planning Authority. This guide explains what a BGP is, when it is required, what it must include and how developers can successfully navigate the process.
What is a Biodiversity Gain Plan?
A Biodiversity Gain Plan is a formal document that must be submitted to the LPA for approval before development begins. It demonstrates how a project will:
- Measure pre-development biodiversity value,
- Avoid and minimise habitat loss,
- Deliver at least a 10% biodiversity net gain,
- Secure that gain for a minimum of 30 years.
Without an approved BGP, development cannot lawfully commence (unless exempt).
When is a Biodiversity Gain Plan required?
A BGP is required for most planning applications in England, including:
- Major residential developments,
- Commercial and industrial schemes,
- Minor developments, with some exemptions.
The plan must be submitted after planning permission is granted. However, developers may submit a draft plan alongside the planning application if they wish to discuss it with the LPA.
What is included in a Biodiversity Gain Plan?
A comprehensive BGP should cover the following areas:
- Pre-development information- Describe existing habitats on the site and notify the LPA of any irreplaceable habitats.
- Development details and impact- Outline development plans, potential impacts on habitats and measures taken to avoid or minimise harm.
- Biodiversity Metric Calculation- Quantify habitat losses and gains, and calculate the overall percentage net gain or loss.
- On-site enhancement plans- Detail planned habitat improvements and how they contribute to net gain.
- Off-site Biodiversity Units- Explain the use of off-site units to achieve compliance and confirm whether these units have already been secured.
- Habitat Management & Monitoring- Describe how habitats will be maintained and monitored over the required 30-year period.
Supporting documents are also required, including:
- Biodiversity metric calculation. A guide to using the statutory biodiversity metric can be found here.
- Pre- and post- development habitat maps.
How can BNG Units Ltd help you with your BGP?
BNG Units Ltd offers support to developers at every stage of the Biodiversity Gain Plan process:
- Off-site Gains- We help developers meet their statutory BNG obligations by providing off-site biodiversity units when on-site improvements alone cannot achieve the required 10% net gain.
- Planning Support- We can assist in preparing the BGP by providing a clear BNG proposal for planning applications that shows how and where the necessary units will be secured.
- Certification & Documentation– After securing units, we issue a Supply and Assurance Certificate and provide a Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan, outlining how habitats will be created, enhanced and maintained for at least 30 years.
- Long-Term Management- We manage the ongoing maintenance of off-site habitats, ensuring biodiversity gains are measurable, compliant with the official biodiversity metric and sustained over the long term.
By handling the ecological, legal and monitoring aspects, we simplify the process for developers and help ensure that LPA requirements are fully met.
Contact Angus for more information on how we can support with your Biodiversity Gain Plan, or to secure your off-site BNG units.