Guide explains new rules on mandatory BNG for developments in England

Mandatory biodiversity net gain (BNG) came into force in February 2024 for large developments and in April 2024 for smaller developments. This means that new developments in England must achieve a minimum of 10% BNG. (Other nations have their own BNG-type strategies.)

The net gain requirement will be managed through the planning system, with applications requiring details on how BNG will be achieved. This is a big change for developers and planners, as well as for other stakeholders such as designers and ecologists, who will now have to consider BNG in their activities.

This guide provides an overview of the new requirements and who might be affected. It includes the key aspects of BNG and covers the various stages of development: pre-purchase, design, planning application submission, post-planning permission and pre-commencement and construction.

At each stage, the guide states what will be involved, who the key leads might be, and what will be required, with examples.

Authors Faye Durkin and Julia Baker are recognised experts in this area and have created an excellent, informative and well-laid-out tool for all those who might come across BNG in their role.

The guide is free to download at bit.ly/Mandatory_BNG