Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) & Offsetting

Biodiversity net gain (BNG) is a national strategy to instigate developer contribution towards nature restoration and is implemented through the planning system. Habitat Exchange can support developer needs to meeting BNG in Yorkshire and beyond.

The intent is for natural habitat to be enhanced, left in a better state than it was before development.

Habitat Exchange offer offsite solutions. Contact us today to discuss your Biodiversity (BNG) offsetting requirements.

(Note: Habitat Exchange current operate in the North Yorkshire District Area)

Biodiversity and BNG in North Yorkshire: A Vital Approach to Conservation

Biodiversity encompasses the rich variety and abundance of living organisms inhabiting our planet. However, alarming trends indicate a decline in biodiversity. According to the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), there has been an average 69% decline over the past 50 years, posing serious risks to both the environment and humanity.

To address this critical issue, the Environment Act 2021 introduces new legislation aimed at protecting wildlife. Central to this effort is the concept of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG). Developers now face requirements to demonstrate a minimum 10% net gain in biodiversity when proposing new projects. But what does this mean in practice?

Three Approaches to Delivering Biodiversity Net Gain:

  1. Onsite Units:
    • Encouraged for its simplicity, onsite BNG involves enhancing or creating natural habitats directly within the development site. However, it may not always be practical due to space constraints, potentially impacting development density.
  2. Offsite Units:
    • BNG offsetting allows developers to achieve their obligations offsite. This approach offers several benefits, including minimizing disturbance on the development site itself. Offsite locations often provide protected environments where biodiversity can thrive, with fewer restrictions on habitat design. Habitat Exchange can provide you BNG units in Yorkshire to allow you to meet your obligations
  3. Statutory Credits:
    • As a last resort, statutory credits come into play when neither onsite nor offsite BNG is feasible. Developers make payments to local authorities, who allocate funds for larger-scale habitat projects.

Maintenance and Implementation:

  • Planning conditions require developers to maintain and manage habitats created for a minimum of 30 years, regardless of ownership changes. Onsite deliverance may involve passing these obligations to future property owners, while offsite options allow developers to collaborate with Biodiversity Unit providers and landowners. We can provide these offsite options.

Tailoring Solutions:

  • We work closely with developers to assess specific needs and determine the best approach to meet BNG requirements. Early involvement ensures an efficient design process.
  • Keep in mind that not all Biodiversity Units suit every development site. Consider habitat types, location, and proximity when proposing offsets.

We offer consultancy at all stages of the lifecycle for landowners please come and speak with us

By embracing Biodiversity Net Gain, we contribute to a healthier natural environment—one that benefits North Yorkshire and beyond. 🌿🌎