Ecology & Biodiversity Net Gain
Since February 2024, Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is mandatory for most new planning applications in England. Urban Vista Planning manages the ecology and BNG process — coordinating specialist ecological surveys, biodiversity metric calculations, and Habitat Management Plans — ensuring your application meets its BNG obligations efficiently and cost-effectively.
We Help With
Mandatory from February 2024: Most new planning applications in England must deliver at least a 10% Biodiversity Net Gain under the Environment Act 2021. Failing to address BNG will result in planning refusal.
What We Help With
- Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) compliance for planning applications
- BNG metric coordination with specialist ecologists
- Habitat Management and Monitoring Plans (HMMPs)
- Ecological impact assessments
- Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEAs)
- Protected species surveys (bats, great crested newts, etc.)
- Off-site BNG strategy and biodiversity credit procurement
- BNG conditions discharge
- Ecology input for Environmental Impact Assessments
Common Scenarios
- →Your planning application requires a BNG assessment
- →You are unsure whether mandatory BNG applies to your development
- →You cannot achieve 10% BNG on-site and need an off-site strategy
- →You need ecological surveys coordinated as part of a planning application
- →You have BNG planning conditions to discharge
- →Your development may affect protected species and you need ecological advice
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Biodiversity Net Gain mandatory?
Yes. Since February 2024, Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) has been mandatory for most new planning applications in England under the Environment Act 2021. All applicable developments must deliver at least a 10% net gain in biodiversity units compared to the pre-development baseline. Small sites and certain exemptions apply.
What developments are exempt from mandatory BNG?
Certain types of development are exempt from mandatory BNG, including householder applications, developments below a certain size threshold, and some temporary developments. However, the exemptions are strictly defined and many developers incorrectly assume they qualify. We provide a clear assessment of whether BNG applies to your proposal.
What is a Biodiversity Metric and who prepares it?
The Biodiversity Metric (currently version 4.0, developed by Natural England) is the standard tool used to calculate the biodiversity value of a site before and after development. It must be prepared by a qualified ecologist. We coordinate this with our network of specialist ecologists and integrate the results into your planning application.
What happens if I cannot achieve 10% BNG on-site?
If on-site delivery is not possible or sufficient, BNG can be achieved through off-site habitat creation or enhancement, or by purchasing statutory biodiversity credits from the government. We advise on the most cost-effective approach and coordinate off-site solutions where needed.
What is a Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan?
A Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan (HMMP) is a document required as part of BNG compliance, setting out how on-site or off-site habitats will be managed and monitored for a minimum of 30 years. It is legally secured by a planning condition or obligation. We coordinate the preparation of HMMPs with specialist ecologists.
Need Help with Ecology & BNG?
We manage the full ecology and BNG process so you can focus on your development.
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