Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) will become mandatory for new major developments on Monday 12th February 2024.

Regulations were laid before parliament and following parliamentary processes, the final launch date and transitional arrangements were confirmed with the publication of the commencement regulations.

Dates to Remember - major developments, small sites and NSIPs

Major development includes residential developments with 10 or more dwellings, or a site area exceeding 0.5 hectares. BNG will apply to these developments from 12th February 2024.

BNG for small sites will have an extended transition period and will apply from 2nd April 2024. Small site development includes:

• Residential development where the number of dwellings is between 1 and 9, or if unknown, the site area is less than 0.5 hectares.

• Commercial development where floor space created is less than 1,000 square metres or the total site area is less than 1 hectare.

BNG for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) will apply from late November 2025.

This is a significant milestone in the delivery of the Environmental Improvement Plan, ensuring new development contributes to the recovery of nature and will be fundamental in helping the country meet its target to halt the decline in species abundance by 2030.

Types of Planning Permission

BNG will apply to all new planning applications for major development from 12th February 2024. Transitional arrangements ensure that BNG only applies to planning applications made on or after 12th February 2024. However, applications made under other routes, such as deemed permissions or Local Development Orders, are not yet subject to mandatory BNG. Developers can still choose voluntary BNG on these projects.

When seeking planning permission, developers must confirm BNG applicability. Approval from the Local Planning Authority (LPA) is a prerequisite before development kicks off.

ILM & BNG

We've been on this journey since the very beginning. Since our establishment over three years ago, we've seen the Environment Act make its initial way through parliament, contributed feedback to help shape legislation, patiently continued to build our network of sites when delays came in, and here it is! The moment we get to circle our calendars and say 'Let's go'.

Biodiversity Net Gain is a chance to literally build a greener future, to make real environmental change, and a create a lasting, sustainable legacy. Now that's something we want to be a part of.