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Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)

Mandatory biodiversity compliance for planning applications
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Planning World

A faster, smarter, more affordable way to get planning permission anywhere in the UK.

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is now a legal requirement for most planning applications in England. It ensures that any development results in a measurable improvement to biodiversity compared to the pre‑development baseline.

Planning World prepares fully compliant BNG assessments, habitat calculations, mitigation strategies, and biodiversity plans to support planning applications for extensions, new builds, conversions, and multi‑unit developments.

When you need Biodiversity Net Gain

BNG is required for:

  • New build houses and flats
  • Large extensions that impact gardens or green space
  • Conversions that alter external areas
  • Developments affecting habitats, trees, or vegetation
  • Sites within sensitive ecological areas
  • Any project where the council requests a BNG plan
  • Major developments (mandatory 10% BNG)
  • Small sites (mandatory BNG from 2024 onwards)

If your project affects land, vegetation, or habitat, BNG is likely required.

For Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)

What your BNG package includes

A complete BNG assessment typically includes:

  • Baseline habitat survey
  • Habitat classification using DEFRA metrics
  • Biodiversity unit calculations
  • On‑site and off‑site mitigation strategy
  • Habitat enhancement proposals
  • Planting and landscaping recommendations
  • Long‑term management plan
  • Full BNG report for planning submission
  • Coordination with ecologists (if required)

All reports follow DEFRA’s statutory BNG metric and local authority requirements.

Our process

A structured, planning‑ready workflow:

  1. Site review We assess existing habitats, vegetation, and ecological constraints.
  2. Baseline biodiversity calculation We calculate current biodiversity units using DEFRA metrics.
  3. Mitigation and enhancement strategy We propose habitat improvements to achieve required net gain.
  4. BNG report preparation A full planning‑ready report is produced with all calculations.
  5. Submission & liaison We provide the BNG report to your architect or submit it with your planning application.

Fees

Typical fees start from:

  • £495–£995 for small residential sites
  • £995–£1895 for new builds or multi‑unit developments
  • £1895+ for complex or ecologically sensitive sites

A fixed quote is provided after reviewing your site and drawings.

Borough‑specific considerations

BNG requirements vary between councils. We specialise in:

  • London boroughs — strict urban greening and habitat enhancement policies
  • Kensington & Chelsea — limited green space, high scrutiny on planting
  • Westminster — urban greening factor (UGF) integration
  • Camden — biodiversity corridors and ecological connectivity
  • Lancashire authorities — rural habitat protection and enhancement
  • Conservation areas — sensitive planting and habitat retention

Your BNG strategy is tailored to your borough’s ecological policies.

Common mistakes to avoid

Applications are often delayed or refused when:

  • No BNG assessment is submitted
  • The BNG report uses outdated DEFRA metrics
  • Habitat calculations are incorrect
  • Mitigation measures are unrealistic or uncosted
  • Landscaping plans don’t align with BNG requirements
  • Developers assume small sites are exempt

Planning World ensures your BNG submission is compliant, accurate, and planning‑ready.

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Why choose Planning World

    • Fully compliant BNG assessments using DEFRA metrics
    • Fast turnaround for planning deadlines
    • Clear, actionable mitigation strategies
    • Coordination with ecologists and landscape designers
    • Borough‑specific expertise
    • Transparent pricing and expert guidance

Most new developments require BNG, including small sites from 2024 onwards.

If they impact gardens or habitats, BNG may be required.

Yes — if on‑site improvements cannot achieve the required net gain.

For complex sites, yes. For simple residential sites, we can often complete the assessment without one.

It significantly improves your chances by meeting statutory requirements.

Ready to get compliant?

Book a consultation and we’ll assess your site, confirm BNG requirements, and prepare a fully compliant biodiversity report for your planning application.

Ready to get compliant?

Book a consultation and we’ll assess your site, confirm BNG requirements, and prepare a fully compliant biodiversity report for your planning application.