Net Benefits for Biodiversity (NBB) /Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)

Net Benefits for Biodiversity (NBB), referred to as Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) in England is an approach that aims to leave the natural environment in a better state than it was before. 

 

In 2019, Welsh Government’s Chief Planner issued a letter to the Heads of Planning to set out how biodiversity enhancements should be secured as part of a development proposal. The letter states that development applications which do not propose biodiversity enhancements will be refused unless they include other significant material considerations. The letter also reiterates the importance of incorporating biodiversity enhancements into development proposals at the earliest possibility and into local development policies.

 

Similarly, under the Environment Act 2021, it is a mandatory requirement for developers (in England) to demonstrate that their project delivers 10% net gain in biodiversity.

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In summary, the NBB/BNG process requires developers to plan into their project increases in natural habitats and ecological features.  

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ExCAL can provide the full range of services from project-level NBB/BNG assessment and NBB/BNG plans, strategic NBB/BNG advice for local planning authorities and habitat design, creation and management services for compensation providers. 

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We have a team of Ecologists and groundwork specialists who can design and install biodiversity improvement schemes and can offer ongoing maintenance and monitoring to ensure that the project is managed from conception to implementation and beyond.