The UK Government unveils key guidance on biodiversity net gain (BNG), marking a significant policy move towards environmental enhancement.
- Biodiversity net gain requires developers to improve the natural environment by 10% post-development, as mandated by the Environment Act 2021.
- New guidance indicates small sites are exempt from mandatory BNG compliance until April 2024.
- Further financial support of £16.71 million is promised for Local Planning Authorities to aid in BNG implementation.
- Draft instructions are yet to be published, leaving uncertainties about BNG market operations.
The UK Government has released essential guidance on biodiversity net gain (BNG), a policy initiative intended to leave the natural environment in a better state than before development. Biodiversity net gain mandates that developers must demonstrate a net positive impact on biodiversity of at least 10% when they complete their projects. This policy is soon to be legally binding under the Environment Act 2021, expected to be enacted in November 2023.
The guidance makes a notable mention that smaller development sites will not be obligated to adhere to mandatory BNG requirements until April 2024. This extension is designed to allow local planning authorities and developers ample time to adjust to these new environmental standards and operational expectations.
In addition to regulatory guidance, the government has confirmed a pledge of an additional £16.71 million in funding to support Local Planning Authorities in the transition towards mandatory BNG. This amount is to supplement the £4.18 million already allocated in January 2022. Key challenges remain in the deployment of these funds, particularly the speed at which they will be made available and the recruitment of suitably trained officers.
Despite the newly issued documents, significant gaps remain, particularly the absence of draft statutory instructions, raising questions about how effectively the market for BNG will be regulated and operated. Ben Standing from Browne Jacobson comments that while the guidance is highly anticipated, critical operational details are absent, which could affect the policy’s rollout.
While the UK Government’s guidance on biodiversity net gain is a step forward, unresolved questions highlight the upcoming challenges.
