The Government have announced that “Biodiversity Net Gain” will be introduced from November.
The Biodiversity Net Gain principle will require new housing, commercial and infrastructure developments to be “nature positive” from the end of 2023, with plans backed by £16 million funding for Local Planning Authorities and guidance to support the new approach.
Developers in England will be required to deliver 10% “Biodiversity Net Gain” when building new developments to ensure that there is a positive benefit for nature.
The new policy is informed by the Government’s previous consultation on Biodiversity Net Gain regulations and implementation, to which the Government’s response has now been published.
- A phased introduction to Biodiversity Net Gain, with small sites having until April 2024 to comply with the regulations.
- Details of a statutory credit scheme – a last resort option for Biodiversity Net Gain delivery. In order to buy credits, developers will have to demonstrate that they cannot deliver habitat onsite, or via the off-site market. The proceeds will be invested in habitat creation.
- Draft legislation is due to be published later in 2023.