Biodiversity Net Gain

Biodiversity net gain (BNG) is an approach to development that aims to leave the natural environment in a measurably better state than it was beforehand.

It is now a legal requirement under the Environment Act 2021 for all development to provide at least a 10 per cent biodiversity net gain, unless exempt.

Meeting biodiversity net gain requirements

If your development is subject to biodiversity net gain requirements, you'll need to provide extra evidence as part of your planning application.

You'll need to provide information that includes:

  • A completed post-development habitat map.
  • A biodiversity net gain statement or draft plan setting out your biodiversity net gain strategy.
  • A completed post-development biodiversity metric calculation.

If your proposed development is subject to biodiversity net gain, your application must be accompanied by the minimum information set out in the Council’s Local Validation Checklist which is available to view on the Council’s website:

Validation Checklist for Planning Applications – Ribble Valley Borough Council

If you don't provide this information as part of your planning application, it will lead to delays in validating your application.

You can find more information about biodiversity net gain and the requirements for planning applications in the National Planning Practice Guide:

Biodiversity net gain - GOV.UK

Check if your development is exempt

Your development may be exempt from meeting biodiversity net gain requirements.

Reasons for exemption include:

  • Development that doesn’t affect priority habitats and only impacts an area of habitat smaller than 25 square meters, or 5 meters long for hedgerows and watercourses. More about priority habitats
  • Householder applications like extensions, conservatories, and loft conversions.
  • Small self-build or custom-built housing projects with up to 9 buildings on land no larger than 0.5 hectares.

You can view the full list of exemptions on GOV.UK

If you think your development is exempt...

You'll need to provide a Statement of Exemption on your planning application form.

Where appropriate you may be asked to provide additional information with your application to prove that your development is exempt e.g. more detailed site plans or the submission of photos

Get advice about biodiversity net gain

Pre Application Advice

If you would like to discuss how biodiversity net gain affects your application, you can use our pre-application advice service especially if you know you need planning permission and would like a planning officer to look at your designs before you submit a formal planning application, you will need to complete a request for pre-application advice form and provide all the relevant drawings, photos and information. 

There is a non-refundable fee for this service which can be calculated in the pre-application guidance notes.