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Government sets out next steps for putting biodiversity net gain on statutory footing

The Government has confirmed biodiversity net gain guidance will be issued in November.

A series of deadlines will see new housing, commercial and infrastructure developments required to be ‘nature positive’, the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said.

Developers of major sites in England will be required to deliver 10% ‘biodiversity net gain’ from January 2024, which Defra said meant a net positive for the local environment, for example by creating new habitats and green spaces.

Biodiversity net gain will take effect for small sites from April 2024, and for nationally significant infrastructure projects during 2025.

Transitional arrangements are intended ensure the new rules are not applied retrospectively to planning applications that have been submitted or granted before the implementation date.

The concept of biodiversity net gain was introduced through the Environment Act 2021 as part of efforts to halt the decline in species abundance by 2030.

Defra said the government had committed more than £15m to help local authorities to prepare.

Publication is due by the end of November for guidance and the regulations on

  • the statutory biodiversity metric for calculating biodiversity gain:
  • the draft biodiversity gain plan template;
  • the Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan template;
  • various other guidance for landowners, developers, and councils.

Biodiversity minister Trudy Harrison said: “Biodiversity Net Gain will ensure new developments work for both wildlife and people . We will create nature-rich places whilst ensuring communities get the new homes and infrastructure they need.”

In a letter to local authorities, chief planner Joanna Averley said the Planning Advisory Service had produced a range of resources including a readiness checklist.

She said the process for biodiversity net gain grant payments had changed this year and urged councils wishing to claim this to check the ‘frequently asked questions’ issued by Defra.

Mark Smulian