The introduction of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) on 12th February 2024 marked the most significant change to planning regulations in decades. In this article, we explore the Biodiversity Gain Site Register and what you need to know as a landowner or developer.

Defra published comprehensive BNG guidance on GOV.UK in November 2023. Designed for local planning authorities, developers, landowners and stakeholders, this guidance is an excellent resource for navigating BNG compliance.

Part of the BNG service includes the Biodiversity Gain Sites Register.

This is a publicly accessible register providing information about off-site gains across England, overseen by Natural England as the ‘Register Operator’ on behalf of Defra. It serves as a valuable tool for developers, landowners and local planning authorities.

The Register allows landowners participating in off-site BNG to apply to register their sites and developers can view unallocated off-site habitat enhancements. Local planning authorities can access allocated and unallocated habitat enhancements as part of their application review process and other users, including ecologists, non-governmental organisations, and the public, can also benefit from the Register’s information.

Other Services Provided

The BNG Service offers several other digital and downloadable services to support developers, landowners and local planning authorities in achieving BNG compliance:

1. Allocations

A downloadable PDF application that allows landowners or developers (with landowner permission) to record allocations of habitat enhancements to their development projects.

2. Statutory Biodiversity Credits Estimator

A digital service that enables developers to calculate the cost of statutory credits before purchasing them.

3. Statutory Biodiversity Credit Sales Scheme

A downloadable PDF application that allows developers to apply to purchase statutory credits, with plans to transition to a digital service in Spring 2024.

4. Statutory Biodiversity Metric Calculation Tool

Provides a habitat-based approach to assess an area’s value to wildlife and calculate biodiversity units (MS Excel). It offers valuable insights for ecologists, developers and planning authorities alike.

Get Involved

As BNG legislation comes into effect, its essential for stakeholders to familiarise themselves with the resources and services available to support compliance. At Integrated Land Management (ILM), we’re committed to helping landowners create Biodiversity Gain Sites and developers to offset their requirements.

Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can assist you on your BNG journey.