Biodiversity Net Gain Report | BNG Reports for Planning
A Biodiversity Net Gain Report (BNG reports) is the technical and planning document that demonstrates how your development will meet the mandatory 10% biodiversity net gain (BNG) required under the Environment Act 2021. It combines ecological surveys, ecological metrics, baseline mapping and design measures into a structured submission for the local planning authority (LPA).
The report is more than a checklist. It links your baseline evidence to your Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan (HMMP), your River Condition Assessment (RCA) where watercourses are present, and to the legal securing mechanism often a section 106 monitoring fee. ACP’s reports are written in plain English for planners but underpinned by robust ecological data, helping you avoid delays, demonstrate environmental compliance, and deliver sustainable development goals such as climate resilience, ecosystem services and biodiversity conservation. We also encourage early stakeholder engagement, ensuring reports are clear not just for planning officers but also for consultees and local communities.
You can also drop us an email at hello@acp-consultants.com and we’ll get back to you within 24 hours to help with your inquiry!
We follow a simple, transparent process to ensure your project runs smoothly from the very first contact to the final report. Our approach is designed to provide you with clarity at every step, so you’re fully informed and confident in moving forward.
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Step 1: Request a Quote
Fill out our quick quote form or call us, and our team will provide a free, no-obligation quote, outlining the services tailored to your needs.
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Step 2: Confirm Your Booking
Once you approve the quote, simply return the booking form. We’ll schedule your survey and ensure all the details are taken care of.
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Step 3: Receive Your Report
After your survey is completed and payment is received, we’ll promptly issue your survey report, ensuring you get the results as quickly as possible.
Why Biodiversity Net Gain Reports are Necessary
The requirement for a Biodiversity Net Gain Report (BNG Reports) arises from the Environment Act 2021, which made BNG mandatory for most planning applications from 2024. The principle is simple: every development must leave biodiversity measurably better off than before, typically achieving at least a 10% uplift in biodiversity units calculated through statutory ecological metrics.
LPAs now expect applicants to submit a planner-ready BNG report PDF alongside their planning documents. Without one, applications are often invalidated or delayed, as officers cannot confirm whether the scheme complies with national policy and local biodiversity conservation strategies.
BNG reports are also key to aligning development with wider sustainable development goals, ecosystem services, and climate change adaptation strategies. They provide a transparent record of how a project contributes to environmental sustainability, from habitat connectivity and wildlife corridors to the delivery of long-term Habitat Management and Monitoring Plans (HMMPs).
By explaining the history and necessity of BNG, ACP’s reports give confidence to developers, planners and stakeholders that projects are not just compliant, but part of a broader framework for environmental compliance, conservation planning, and land use planning.
Methodology: Biodiversity Net Gain Report (BNG Reports)
ACP prepares every Biodiversity Net Gain assessment report in line with Natural England’s Statutory Biodiversity Metric User Guide. Our approach ensures results are evidence-based, consistent with planning policy, and trusted by local planning authorities.
Baseline ecological survey and mapping: We begin with a UKHab-compliant survey, mapping all existing habitats and recording condition through ecological valuation notes, photographs and GIS shapefiles. Where rivers or streams are present, we integrate a full River Condition Assessment (RCA) to capture watercourse units and riparian features. This establishes a transparent baseline for your application.
Metric calculation: All baseline and proposed habitats are entered into the statutory ecological metrics tool. We log assumptions clearly, so case officers can audit calculations. Outputs include baseline units, proposed units and uplift percentages, forming the backbone of the BNG submission.
Habitat creation and green infrastructure: We model interventions such as new species-rich grassland, woodland planting and wildlife corridors. These measures are aligned with green infrastructure and climate change adaptation strategies, ensuring your scheme contributes to wider biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services.
Management and monitoring: Our reports summarise the long-term management tasks within the Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan (HMMP), setting KPIs, reporting cadence and HMMP monitoring fee implications. This ensures that monitoring over the statutory 30-year period is realistic and deliverable.
Legal securing: Finally, we recommend the most appropriate securing route usually a section 106 monitoring fee or conservation covenant. This confirms accountability, costs and responsibilities.
Together, this structured methodology ensures every BNG report PDF is transparent, auditable and ready for submission, giving LPAs confidence and reducing the risk of planning delays.
Deliverables & formats: Biodiversity Net Gain Report (BNG Reports)
When you commission ACP to prepare a Biodiversity Net Gain BNG report, you receive a complete submission pack that satisfies local planning authority requirements and reduces the risk of validation delays.
Biodiversity Net Gain BNG Report (PDF)
A planner-ready narrative that combines baseline evidence, habitat mapping, ecological metrics outputs and compliance notes. This forms the central document of your BNG submission.
Metric workbook (Excel)
A fully completed statutory metric file with pre- and post-development units, logged assumptions and version control. This transparent dataset underpins the calculations in your biodiversity net gain plan.
Mapping pack
Detailed baseline and proposed habitat maps, habitat connectivity diagrams and figures from the ecological metric. Clear graphics reduce queries and help case officers quickly understand your scheme.
HMMP summary
An overview of the 30-year management framework drawn from the Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan (HMMP). This sets out tasks, monitoring cadence and reporting responsibilities in plain English.
BNG submission support
A concise covering note aligned to the host LPA’s validation checklist. This makes it clear how the submission meets policy and reduces the risk of requests for additional information.
BNG Report (PDF) | Metrics, mapping, compliance notes | Planner-ready submission |
Metric Workbook | Pre/post units, assumptions | Transparent evidence |
Mapping Pack | Baseline & proposed habitats | Reduces LPA queries |
HMMP Summary | 30-year management overview | Clear compliance link |
Submission Support | Covering note if requested aligned to LPA validation lists | Provides clarity and reduces risk of additional queries |
Timelines & Costs
ACP can usually prepare a Biodiversity Net Gain BNG Report in 5–10 working days once baseline survey data and drawings are received. This quick turnaround helps you keep planning applications on track and avoids unnecessary delays.
Our professional fees start from £399 + VAT for straightforward, single-phase schemes. The total biodiversity net gain report cost varies depending on several factors, including:
- Site size and habitat complexity – larger sites or diverse habitat types take more time to survey and analyse.
- Type of habitats involved – simple grassland is less intensive to assess than complex wetland or woodland habitats, which require more detailed ecological metrics.
- Additional assessments – such as a River Condition Assessment (RCA) or protected species surveys.
- Project structure – multi-phase or multi-parcel schemes often require more than one BNG report for compliance.
ACP’s fee covers preparation of the BNG report PDF, metric workbook and supporting maps. The LPA monitoring fee secured separately via a section 106 monitoring fee is paid directly to the council and is not included in our charge.
Why choose ACP
- Evidence-led – Biodiversity Net Gain BNG Report aligned to Natural England’s ecological metrics and CIEEM templates.
- Planner-friendly – structured for validation, with clear BNG submission notes and supporting files.
- Joined-up – integrates baseline surveys, design, HMMP, BNG monitoring fee estimate, and legal securing. Our approach also supports effective stakeholder engagement, should the client require this, giving clarity to planners, consultees and developers at every stage.
- Future-proofed – embeds sustainable development goals, ecosystem services and climate change adaptation references.
- National coverage – from London boroughs to rural counties, ACP delivers BNG reports across England.
In the past year, we’ve delivered over 750 audit-ready reports supporting 400+ projects for developers, planners, and architects nationwide. We put quality over quantity and build lasting relationships based on trust, ensuring your planning applications are backed by robust evidence and delivered on time.
You can also drop us an email at hello@acp-consultants.com and we’ll get back to you within 24 hours to help with your inquiry!
Where we provide Biodiversity Net Gain BNG Reports
ACP delivers Biodiversity Net Gain BNG Reports nationwide. Our ecologists and planning consultants work across England, supporting developers, architects, and landowners in preparing robust BNG submissions. Every report is tailored to the specific requirements of the local planning authority (LPA) while remaining fully aligned with national legislation and Natural England’s guidance.
Because BNG requirements are implemented locally, it is often helpful to reference the policies, validation checklists, and biodiversity action plans that apply in each council area. ACP’s team has experience in working across different regions, and we create subpages for each county and London borough to support SEO and to make it easier for clients to find services relevant to their location.
Where We Provide Biodiversity Net Gain Reports
ACP delivers Biodiversity Net Gain Reports nationwide. Our ecologists and planning consultants work across England, supporting developers, architects, and landowners in preparing robust BNG submissions. Every report is tailored to the specific requirements of the local planning authority (LPA) while remaining fully aligned with national legislation and Natural England’s guidance.
Because BNG requirements are implemented locally, it is often helpful to reference the policies, validation checklists, and biodiversity action plans that apply in each council area. ACP’s team has experience in working across different regions, and we create subpages for each county and London borough to support SEO and to make it easier for clients to find services relevant to their location.
London
In London, the requirement for Biodiversity Net Gain Report (BNG Reports) sits alongside the London Plan, which emphasises green infrastructure, habitat connectivity, and urban greening. ACP provides BNG reports across all 32 London boroughs, including central authorities such as Westminster, Camden and Islington, and outer boroughs such as Bromley, Croydon and Hillingdon. Each borough may have slightly different validation requirements, but all expect clear evidence that developments deliver measurable biodiversity improvements and long-term management through an HMMP.
South East
The South East has some of the busiest LPAs in the country. ACP regularly prepares BNG reports for projects in Surrey, Kent, East Sussex, West Sussex, Essex, Hampshire, Berkshire and Oxfordshire. These counties include both urban extensions and sensitive rural landscapes. Local councils often focus on wildlife corridors and climate change adaptation measures in new developments. By integrating habitat creation and long-term management into our reports, we ensure compliance and smoother planning outcomes.
East of England
BNG is now a standard requirement across the East of England, covering Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Norfolk and Suffolk. These areas include important agricultural and wetland habitats where ecosystem services such as flood control and soil health are central to planning. ACP’s BNG reports highlight how development can deliver biodiversity conservation while supporting wider sustainable development goals and land use planning strategies.
West Midlands (Metropolitan County)
The West Midlands metropolitan area, including Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall and Wolverhampton, has a strong focus on urban regeneration. Councils in these areas are particularly focused on ensuring BNG reports demonstrate measurable gains through green infrastructure, habitat connectivity and integration with wider environmental compliance policies. ACP provides BNG reports for major mixed-use developments as well as smaller urban projects, ensuring consistency with local validation lists.
Wider West Midlands Counties
Beyond the metropolitan centres, ACP also prepares Biodiversity Net Gain Reports across the surrounding counties of Warwickshire, Staffordshire, Shropshire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire. These counties include a mix of rural developments, infrastructure projects and housing sites, all requiring detailed ecological metrics and strong links to conservation planning. Our team tailors reports to reflect the ecological character of each county while meeting the expectations of local LPAs.
East Midlands
In the East Midlands, ACP supports clients in Northamptonshire, Leicestershire, Derbyshire and Lincolnshire. These areas often involve projects on greenfield land where habitat creation, biodiversity offsets and species preservation are key elements of the BNG report. We ensure all reports align with LPA requirements and national ecological impact assessment standards.
South West
The South West counties of Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Dorset, Somerset, Devon and Cornwall contain some of the UK’s most ecologically sensitive landscapes. Local councils are especially focused on climate change adaptation, ecosystem services and long-term habitat connectivity. ACP’s reports demonstrate how developments can achieve compliance while supporting natural capital approaches that benefit communities and the environment.
North & North West
ACP also delivers BNG reports throughout the North and North West, covering Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside, Lancashire, West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, North Yorkshire, East Riding of Yorkshire, County Durham, Tyne and Wear and Cumbria. In these regions, councils often emphasise biodiversity conservation alongside regeneration priorities. Our reports provide the detailed ecological metrics and transparent mapping LPAs need to validate applications quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Biodiversity Net Gain Report
Preparing a Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Report can be complex, particularly as local planning authorities now require clear, metric-based evidence of ecological value and proposed enhancements. This FAQ section answers key questions about what a BNG Report should include, how it supports planning applications, and how it links to other deliverables such as the Biodiversity Gain Plan (BGP) and Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan (HMMP). Whether you’re submitting a full planning application, managing a small site, or preparing evidence for a reserved matters stage, these FAQs explain what’s expected, how to achieve compliance, and how ACP’s consultants can help ensure your report meets current BNG legislation and Natural England standards.
What is a Biodiversity Net Gain Report?
A Biodiversity Net Gain Report (often shortened to a BNG report) is the technical planning report that demonstrates how a proposed development will achieve at least 10% biodiversity net gain. It includes baseline surveys, ecological metrics, mapping of existing and proposed habitats, and details of habitat creation or enhancement. The report also links to the Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan (HMMP) that secures delivery for the statutory 30-year period. Without a compliant BNG report, local planning authorities will not validate or approve your planning application.
Do I need a BNG report for my planning submission?
Yes. Since February 2024, all major developments must submit a BNG submission report, and from April 2024 this applied to small sites as well. The report is required at validation stage and is usually submitted alongside other planning reports such as design and access statements or ecological impact assessments. The BNG report PDF is used by the council to confirm that your project complies with the Environment Act 2021 and local biodiversity conservation policies.
What does a BNG report include?
A typical BNG planning report will include: baseline ecological valuation, habitat mapping, the completed statutory metric workbook, details of proposed habitat creation or biodiversity offsets, and a summary of the 30-year HMMP. It also includes clear ecological metrics outputs showing how 10% uplift will be achieved, plus legal securing notes (usually via a section 106 monitoring fee). ACP ensures each report is tailored to your local planning authority’s validation checklist to reduce the risk of queries or delays.
How much does a Biodiversity Net Gain Report cost?
ACP’s professional fees for preparing a BNG report start from £399 + VAT for a straightforward, single-phase scheme. The total biodiversity net gain report cost depends on site size, habitat complexity, and whether additional assessments such as a River Condition Assessment (RCA) or protected species surveys are required. It’s important to note that ACP’s fee covers the preparation of the report, mapping and metric files; the LPA monitoring fee is separate and paid directly to the council.
What’s the difference between a BNG plan and a BNG report?
A BNG plan sets out the commitments and strategy for achieving net gain, while a BNG report is the technical and planning submission that evidences how the uplift will be delivered. The report includes surveys, ecological metrics and mapping, and is used by the LPA to validate applications. In practice, both terms are often used interchangeably, but ACP distinguishes between the planning report submitted to the council and the strategic plan that informs long-term management.
How does the BNG report link to the HMMP?
The Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan (HMMP) provides the long-term framework for delivering the commitments made in the BNG report. The report sets the baseline condition and target units, while the HMMP specifies how habitats will be monitored, managed and reported on for 30 years. Together, the BNG report and HMMP form the evidence package that satisfies local planning authorities and secures compliance with environmental sustainability and biodiversity conservation policies.
How long does it take to prepare a BNG report?
ACP can typically prepare a Biodiversity Net Gain Report in 5–10 working days once baseline survey data and site drawings are available. More complex schemes, such as those involving multiple parcels, wetland design, or integration of wildlife corridors and green infrastructure, may take longer. We provide a fixed-fee proposal upfront so you know what to expect, and we align timelines with your planning submission schedule to avoid delays.
Can ACP prepare biodiversity net gain reports for my location?
Yes, ACP provides BNG reports across England, covering all London boroughs and counties nationwide. We have experience tailoring reports to local planning authority validation lists in areas such as London, Surrey, Kent, Sussex, Essex, Hampshire, Gloucestershire, Greater Manchester and North Yorkshire. See our locations section for full coverage. Each report references relevant local biodiversity action plans and planning conditions, ensuring your submission is tailored as well as nationally compliant.
What happens if my scheme cannot achieve 10% net gain on site?
If your project cannot meet the 10% uplift within the red line boundary, ACP will explain how shortfalls can be addressed through biodiversity offsets or registered off-site units. This process is detailed in your BNG assessment report and ensures you remain compliant with statutory requirements. We also advise on potential design revisions and conservation planning measures that can reduce reliance on credits.
Do BNG reports consider wider sustainability issues?
Yes. ACP’s BNG reports do not stop at compliance. We highlight links to ecosystem services, green infrastructure, climate change adaptation, and contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals. We also consider how schemes interact with wider land use planning and natural capital approaches, ensuring that biodiversity improvements deliver multiple benefits for people, wildlife and place.
How long is a Biodiversity Net Gain Report valid for?
A BNG report PDF is valid as long as the baseline surveys and ecological data remain current. Most local planning authorities require surveys to be no more than 18–24 months old. If your application is delayed or site conditions change significantly, the BNG submission report may need to be updated. ACP advises on validity periods and can refresh your data quickly to avoid planning delays.
Can ACP update my Biodiversity Net Gain Report if site conditions change?
Yes. If habitats on site are altered, surveys expire, or design proposals evolve, ACP can update your biodiversity net gain assessment report. This may involve re-running the ecological metrics, revising mapping, or updating the HMMP summary. By keeping your BNG report PDF up to date, you ensure the local planning authority has confidence in your evidence and avoid validation problems later in the planning process.
Government Guidance and Statutory References
- Understanding biodiversity net gain. Guidance on what BNG is and how it affects land managers, developers and local planning authorities. Defra.
- Statutory framework & planning condition – Biodiversity Net Gain under Schedule 7A of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990; statutory regime explained in Planning Practice Guidance (GOV.UK).
- Biodiversity Gain Plan – Must be approved before commencement; Local Planning Authority decision normally within 8 weeks. See Biodiversity Net Gain Guidance (GOV.UK).
- Statutory biodiversity metric – How units are calculated, modules, factors, and guidance on early use. Statutory Metric and User Guide (GOV.UK).
- Condition Sheets & Small Sites Metric (SSM) – Official metric tools and guidance sheets. BNG Metric Tools (GOV.UK).
- Exemptions & de minimis thresholds – Householder, small self-build, and very small impacts where no priority habitat is affected. Exemptions Guidance (GOV.UK) and Defra Environment Blog.
- Off-site register & fee – Natural England guidance on registering biodiversity gain sites, with the current £639 registration fee. Register a Biodiversity Gain Site (GOV.UK).
- NSIPs timing – Government proposals indicate that BNG will apply to Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) from May 2026, pending final regulations. Defra Consultation (GOV.UK).
- Creating a Habitat Management & Monitoring Plan (HMMP) – GOV.UK guidance on how to prepare HMMPs, including monitoring and reporting requirements. HMMP Guidance (GOV.UK).
- Natural England HMMP Template (JP058) – Official template, checklist, and monitoring report tools for Habitat Management & Monitoring Plans. Natural England Publications.
- Statutory Biodiversity Metric User Guide (July 2025) – Full guidance on how the statutory metric should be applied, including trading rules and worked examples. User Guide PDF.
- Metric Supporting Documents (JP039) – Includes GIS templates, data standards, and case studies for applying the statutory metric. Natural England Publications.
- Statutory Biodiversity metric user guide.
- Small Site Matric Guidance.
Other Supporting References (Quick Links)
- BNG in Practice Report (2025) – Case studies showing how BNG is being delivered in real projects. Institute of Environmental Sciences.
- Biodiversity Net Gain – Principles and Guidance for UK Construction and Developments. Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management.
- BNG Research Briefing – This post note outlines the mandatory biodiversity net gain policy introduced in England in 2024 and the risks and challenges for delivering its objectives. UK Parliament.
- Biodiversity net gain: where to start. Natural England.
- Biodiversity Net Gain Report and Audit Templates- CIEEM.
- Implementing statutory biodiversity net gain. NAO.
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Next Steps
- Send us your site drawings and boundary – we’ll review your project scope and baseline surveys.
- Receive a fixed-fee proposal – tailored to your site size, complexity and local planning authority requirements.
- Draft Biodiversity Net Gain Report prepared – usually within 5–10 working days of receiving the necessary information.
- Full submission pack delivered – including your BNG report PDF, completed metric workbook, mapping pack and HMMP summary.
- Ongoing support available – we liaise with your planning officer if clarifications or additional evidence are requested.
Ready to get your Biodiversity Net Gain Report? Contact ACP for expert, planner-ready support
Explore Related Biodiversity Net Gain Resources
A Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) report provides the formal record of how a project achieves its required ecological uplift. To understand how this documentation fits into the wider BNG framework, start with our Biodiversity Net Gain Overview and BNG Assessment Guide, which explain how site data are analysed and converted into measurable units.
BNG reports are built around the Statutory Biodiversity Metric 4.0 and, where applicable, the Small Sites Metric (SSM). Supporting documentation such as the Biodiversity Gain Plan (BGP) and Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan (HMMP) ensures the BNG strategy is clearly evidenced and enforceable.
Developers can also access our BNG Templates & Downloads for report-ready formats, use the BNG Monitoring Fee Calculator for long-term management budgeting, and review BNG Legislation & Guidance to confirm statutory compliance. For examples of successful submissions, visit our BNG Case Studies & Portfolio.
You can also drop us an email at hello@acp-consultants.com and we’ll get back to you within 24 hours to help with your inquiry!
- Last Updated:
- October 2025
Disclaimer: Our content is prepared by ACP Consultants’ in-house specialists and is based on current guidance, standards, and best practice in environmental consultancy. While we make every effort to keep information accurate and up to date, it is provided for general guidance only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice on specific projects. Planning authorities retain final decision-making powers, and requirements may vary between local authorities and over time. ACP Consultants accepts no liability for any loss arising from reliance on this content without obtaining tailored advice for your project.