Need an ecology survey in Doncaster?

What is Biodiversity Net Gain?

With growing concern about reduced biodiversity levels in the UK, the biodiversity net gain (BNG) concept evolved as a means of stemming the tide. Biodiversity net gain legislation mandates that a development project must leave nature in a `measurably better state’ on completion. Biodiversity net gain was first introduced in The Environment Bill, which became the Environment Act 2021 on receiving royal assent.

Developers must improve the amount of biodiversity on a site post-development compared to pre-development. This is assessed by ecological consultants taking two readings at the site, using the latest version of the Defra biodiversity metric. The second reading should match the first reading and a 10% additional biodiversity gain must be achieved to satisfy a local planning authority.

Biodiversity net gain was introduced over a two-year transition period to allow local planning authorities and developers time to adjust. The planning policy became mandatory in November 2023 in England for major sites and small sites of fewer than nine units, and it applied to smaller sites from April 2024. The new law is now part of the planning system: applications for planning permission must provide a biodiversity net gain plan to show how a scheme will provide a minimum 10% increase in biodiversity net gain on completion, and the improvements must be maintained for the long term – at least 30 years.

Biodiversity net gain applies to most developments in England; there are few exemptions and refusal to comply with the new law is likely to result in local planning authorities imposing financial penalties.

City of Doncaster Council and BNG

While some councils decided to implement BNG when the Environment Act was passed in 2021, the City of Doncaster Council introduced the policy in February 2024 when it became mandatory. The Council requires evidence to demonstrate that a development project will create the necessary net gain before it grants planning permission. Local planning authorities in Doncaster have clarified their BNG policies in the local plan policy and the supplementary planning document, Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS).

The City of Doncaster Council has created its first local habitat bank to help it meet BNG requirements. The 25-hectare Sandall Beat Wood at the former Red House Farm project has been created to improve diversity and restore wildlife. The woodland created here has boosted the site’s ecological value and has seen benefits spread over this significant area.

This designated site will provide biodiversity net gain offsetting opportunities for developments in other parts of the area where it has proved impossible to provide bng on-site. Several such sites are planned in the borough to provide enhanced opportunities for delivering biodiversity net gain.

The biodiversity net gain assessment

An assessment must be made of a site’s biodiversity value prior to development followed by a prediction of its post-development biodiversity value. An ecological consultant will make a site visit on a planned date and time to assess all ecological features present. A biodiversity value will be allocated to each feature. The consultant will then assess the development plans to calculate the site’s biodiversity value post-development.

Using the latest version of the Defra biodiversity metric, the consultant will establish whether there is a deficit between the two values, and if so, a recommendation will be made about how to remove the deficit and increase the biodiversity value by the minimum 10% requirement. A mitigation hierarchy is used to identify the optimal measures to take, which could involve environmental changes such as creating wildflower grassland, creating green space, changing land management practices or simple measures such as installing bird boxes.

If it proves impossible to achieve any biodiversity net gain on-site, the required amount of bng must be allocated to an identified offsite area such as a green site or habitat bank. Should further ecological surveys be required, such as a habitat survey or protected species surveys, ecological consultants can provide further information about this or related topics. The resulting biodiversity net gain plan will include full details of the recommendations to fulfil bng requirements on the site and can be submitted to the local planning authority which will rely on it when deciding whether to grant planning applications.

Delivering biodiversity net gain

On-site delivery of net gain is the preferred option according to national planning policy: methods range from creating new habitats or installing bat boxes or bird boxes. In cases where there is no scope to add net gain, offsite delivery of the required bng units may be the best option. This method can be most beneficial if the units are allocated to habitats in a local nature recovery strategy such as a habitat bank. If this also proves impossible, the last resort option is to pay a biodiversity offsetting contribution fee.

Biodiversity net gain plans in Doncaster

To meet the City of Doncaster Council’s biodiversity net gain requirements, a bng plan must be submitted alongside an application for planning permission. The ecological consultants selected to carry out the site assessment should be experienced in completing bng plans for the relevant local planning authority. Following their professional advice will enable you to meet all requirements, ensure the site leaves the natural environment in a better state, achieve a successful planning application, and allow you to continue with your development project.