Biodiversity Net Gain
The Biodiversity Net Gain process provides a way of measuring and accounting for biodiversity losses and gains resulting from development or land management change.
Biodiversity Net Gain has become an integral part of the planning process. The new Environment Act will require all new development proposals that require planning permission to demonstrate a 10% net gain.
The net gain calculation is completed through the use of a metric (current version ‘Natural England Metric 3.1′). The metric calculates the existing ecological value of habitats on site compared to what is being lost / proposed. If it is not possible to achieve a net gain of 10% on site, then off-site compensation or financial compensation to the local planning authority is required.
Our Biodiversity Net Gain Services
We have been undertaking Biodiversity Net Gain assessments for a number of years and have extensive experience throughout the UK. We have experience working with various local councils and can assist you through your planning application.
We undertake metric calculations and provide appropriate recommendations in regard to on-site and off-site biodiversity mitigation and design. We can provide advice on all matters in relation to Biodiversity Net Gain to ensure that your application meets Biodiversity Net Gain legislative requirements.
Examples of our Biodiversity Net Gain work
Gleeson Homes
Biodiversity Net Gain assessments for two housing developments; one based in Carlisle, Cumbria and one based in Earby, Lancashire.
Old Links Golf Club, Bolton
Surveys of existing habitats and assessment of unit value were undertaken in relation to proposals for a new club house and facilities. Considerable opportunities for Biodiversity Net Gain will be achievable at this golf course located on the edge of the West Pennine Moors.
Vistry Group
Biodiversity Net Gain assessment undertaken as part of a feasibility study for a potential future development. We undertook the assessment to provide a habitat unit value of the existing habitats in order to provide recommendations for future landscaping proposals.
AA Projects
Biodiversity Net Gain assessment of Manchester Enterprise Academy. As the existing habitats had a low habitat unit value, a Biodiversity Net Gain was achieved on-site through an appropriate landscape design which incorporated our recommendations.
Biodiversity Net Gain Case Study
Working on behalf of Calico Homes for a proposed housing development in Burnley, we undertook a biodiversity net gain assessment. A comprehensive assessment was undertaken using the Natural England metric (v3.1) which confirmed that there would be an overall biodiversity net loss on-site.
Subsequently, an area of off-site land adjacent to the development site was identified for habitat creation. A landscape design was created with guidance from the metric which ensured that the on-site and off-site proposals resulted in a 61% net gain overall.
We worked with our client to reach an agreement with Burnley Council that the future maintenance and management of the off-site habitat area will be completed by Burnley Council.
Quick Contact
If you would like to discuss how Pennine Ecological can help you, please get in touch with us.