Biodiversity Net Gain guidance for developers

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is an approach to development that leaves biodiversity in a better state than before. Laws have been passed which mean BNG has become mandatory for new developments in England, leading to positive outcomes for nature.

Types of development it applies to

BNG is now mandatory for new planning applications made under the Town and Country Planning Act (TCPA) 1990, subject to specific exemptions set out in regulations referenced below.

BNG will apply to new applications for planning permission, except for applications for retrospective permission.

Applications made under any other route, for example deemed permissions under section 90 TCPA 1990 or permission granted by a Local Development Order, will not be subject to mandatory BNG.

What developers need to do

BNG needs to be considered throughout the planning process and not as a post-permission matter.

The GOV.UK statutory biodiversity metric tool should be completed by a suitably qualified person and submitted along with the planning application.

Applicants should provide a biodiversity gain plan or biodiversity statement with the main application.

For more information on the requirements for developers, read the government's Meet biodiversity net gain requirements: steps for developers.

Further information

For more information about biodiversity net gain (BNG), you can:

National regulations

You can also access the following national regulations:

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