Biodiversity Net Gain
Important Update - Changes to Biodiversity Net Gain Requirements
The Government has introduced amendments to the mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) regime, which come into force on 6 August 2026.
The changes include:
- a new exemption for qualifying development on sites of 0.2 hectares or less, unless the development impacts onsite priority habitat;
- the removal of the self-build and custom build exemption;
- a new exemption for temporary planning permissions of five years or less, unless onsite priority habitat is affected, and
- amendments to the biodiversity gain hierarchy for minor development
Applications submitted before 6 August 2026 will continue to be assessed under the previous BNG legislation. Applications submitted on or after 6 August 2026 will be subject to the amended requirements.
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is an approach that allows developers to work with local governments, landowners, and wildlife groups to support local nature priorities in order to leave biodiversity in a better state than before the development. It aims to deliver measurable improvements to biodiversity through enhancing existing habitats or by creating new ones.
Biodiversity Net Gain is a material consideration for planning applications under the National Planning Policy Framework. From 12th February 2024 in England a minimum 10% biodiversity net gain is required under a statutory framework introduced by Schedule 7A of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (inserted by the Environment Act 2021) for all major developments and from the 2nd April 2024 for all minor developments, unless an exempt development
Please refer to Devon County Council Biodiversity Net Gain for further information.
Our requirements for validation are :
Devon BNG Statement for Validation
Please note: the preferred option is that you provide a map as a separate PDF and not embedded in the metric.
Self-build and custom build applications
Proforma for schemes that are self-build or custom housing
Please fill this form out in detail if your scheme is self-build or custom housing: ensure you fill out all the sections and provide as much detail as possible.
Right to Build guidance notes - AN 5.3 - 06.2024 Biodiversity Net Gain and Custom and Self-BuildV2.pdf (righttobuild.org.uk)
Biodiversity Gain Plan
What must be included in a Biodiversity Gain Plan?
For validation purposes, 'draft' Biodiversity Gain Plans are acceptable at application stage. Final Biodiversity Gain Plans will be agreed through the discharge of condition process prior to commencement.