Biodiversity Net Gain Locations Across England
The requirement for Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is now mandatory across England. But how the rules are applied and what information you must submit with your planning application varies depending on the local planning authority. Each council publishes its own validation checklists, policy notes, or supplementary planning documents (SPDs). That makes biodiversity net gain locations an essential part of your project strategy.
A BNG survey and report is not enough on its own. To secure planning permission, your submission must be aligned with local validation requirements. Some authorities adopt the statutory 10% uplift, others are introducing higher targets, and many require specific evidence such as River Condition Assessments (RCA), Habitat Management and Monitoring Plans (HMMPs) or off-site unit agreements.
ACP provides planner-ready BNG reports, surveys, and location-specific advice across England. We monitor how each LPA interprets the Environment Act 2021 and ensure your project is both nationally compliant and locally tailored. Whether your development is in central London, a rural county, or part of a regional growth plan, our ecologists deliver the baseline surveys, biodiversity net gain assessments, and legal support you need.
This page provides an overview of BNG by council and region. It explains how London boroughs, counties in the South East, Midlands, South West, and the North approach BNG, and highlights the ecological and planning considerations for each. It also shows how BNG links to wider goals such as ecosystem services, natural capital, wildlife corridors, climate adaptation, habitat restoration, and biodiversity conservation.
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 locations matter for Biodiversity Net Gain
Although the Environment Act 2021 introduced a national duty for developments to deliver at least a 10% biodiversity net gain, in practice, the requirements differ by location. Local planning authorities (LPAs) have discretion in how they validate applications, secure long-term management, and interpret the statutory biodiversity metric. That means your obligations depend on where your project is being built.
National baseline
- All developments (except exempt ones) must show a 10% uplift in biodiversity units, measured through a biodiversity net gain assessment.
- Developers must submit a completed statutory metric workbook, baseline mapping, and a BNG plan or report.
- A 30-year management commitment is mandatory, usually secured through a Section 106 agreement or conservation covenant.
Local variation
Councils apply their own local validation requirements on top of the national rules. Examples include:
- Higher BNG targets: Some LPAs, such as parts of Nottinghamshire and South Oxfordshire, are adopting or consulting on 20% net gain policies.
- Specific evidence requests: Boroughs in London often require Habitat Management and Monitoring Plans (HMMPs), urban green infrastructure notes, or details of wildlife corridors to prove connectivity.
- Additional surveys: Many counties with rivers (e.g. Warwickshire, Cornwall) require a River Condition Assessment (RCA) alongside the baseline BNG survey.
- Off-site expectations: In some regions, LPAs strongly encourage or mandate local sourcing of off-site units to support habitat restoration and ecosystem resilience within the same county.
Why this matters
If you submit a BNG survey that only follows national guidance but ignores local policy, your application risks being invalidated or delayed. By contrast, tailoring your submission to the specific biodiversity net gain locations ensures:
- Faster validation
- Reduced planning queries
- Alignment with local conservation strategy
- Stronger contribution to wider nature-based solutions, species diversity targets, and landscape planning goals.
ACP tracks BNG requirements by council and by region. Our role is to ensure your development meets the statutory 10% requirement while addressing local biodiversity priorities from habitat connectivity in urban boroughs to land management practices in rural counties.
Biodiversity Net Gain in London
London is a unique case when it comes to biodiversity net gain locations. With 32 boroughs acting as individual planning authorities, expectations for BNG by council can vary significantly. While the statutory 10% uplift applies across the capital, borough-specific priorities from urban green infrastructure to the protection of wildlife corridors shape how BNG is validated. Developers must therefore tailor their BNG surveys and submissions to meet both the London-wide strategy and borough-level requirements.
The London Plan and borough validation
London has been ahead of many regions in requiring Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG). The London Plan (Policy G6: Biodiversity and Access to Nature) already expects developments to secure net gains for biodiversity, with boroughs applying their own local validation requirements.
For example:
- Central boroughs such as Westminster, Camden and Islington often require detailed BNG survey reports, UKHab baseline mapping, and proof of how green infrastructure and habitat connectivity will be delivered on dense urban sites.
- Outer boroughs such as Bromley, Croydon and Hillingdon typically emphasise wildlife corridors, urban fringe habitats, and the integration of ecosystem services into landscaping.
Every borough uses the statutory metric, but some require Habitat Management and Monitoring Plans (HMMPs) or additional commitments in Section 106 agreements to secure the 30-year management period.
Why BNG varies across London boroughs
Because each of the 32 London boroughs has its own planning authority, expectations can differ:
- Some councils may set out additional requirements in Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs).
- Others publish borough-specific biodiversity action plans that influence what evidence they want in your BNG submission.
- Local priorities such as climate adaptation, species diversity, and sustainable land use are increasingly reflected in borough policies.
How ACP supports BNG in London
ACP provides BNG surveys and reports across all London boroughs. We ensure each submission is:
- Nationally compliant — meeting the statutory 10% uplift through robust biodiversity net gain assessments.
- Locally tailored — aligned with borough-specific validation checklists and biodiversity action plans.
- Technically robust — incorporating UKHab mapping, RCA where rivers are present, and clear HMMP summaries.
By combining ecological expertise with knowledge of local policy, ACP helps developments across London secure faster validation, avoid planning queries, and contribute to borough-level biodiversity conservation strategies.
Biodiversity Net Gain in the South East
The South East is one of England’s most active regions for development, with pressure from housing growth alongside sensitive rural and coastal habitats. This makes biodiversity net gain locations here especially important, as local planning authorities balance national policy with county-specific conservation priorities. Developers must be aware of BNG by council variations to avoid planning delays.
Regional context
The South East of England is one of the busiest regions for planning applications, covering both high-density urban extensions and sensitive rural landscapes. Local authorities across Surrey, Kent, East Sussex, West Sussex, Essex, Hampshire, Berkshire and Oxfordshire all apply the statutory 10% BNG requirement, but their local validation checklists can differ. Some councils are already exploring higher targets or trialling county-wide nature-based solutions. Others highlight particular ecological issues from flood resilience and ecosystem services in Kent to green infrastructure and wildlife corridors in Sussex.
County examples
- Surrey – Surrey authorities emphasise habitat connectivity and the protection of existing wildlife corridors. Local validation notes often request detailed baseline maps and clear proposals for habitat restoration in rural fringe areas.
- Kent – With extensive coastal and wetland habitats, Kent LPAs frequently request information on ecosystem services, flood resilience, and climate adaptation. Many schemes also need targeted species diversity assessments linked to priority habitats
- East Sussex and West Sussex – Sussex councils often integrate green infrastructure delivery into their development control policies. Validation checklists may also request details of biodiversity offsetting where dense housing makes on-site gains harder.
- Essex – Essex authorities use local biodiversity action plans to guide BNG. They expect evidence of sustainable land use and, in some cases, ask for off-site contributions within the county to secure long-term ecosystem resilience.
- Hampshire – With its mix of urban areas and rural landscapes, Hampshire councils often emphasise landscape planning and nature-based solutions. Many authorities require Habitat Management and Monitoring Plans (HMMPs) to be submitted alongside the BNG report.
- Berkshire and Oxfordshire – Both counties are exploring higher-than-10% targets in emerging local plans. In Oxfordshire, for example, some authorities reference natural capital and wider conservation finance principles when reviewing BNG submissions.
How ACP supports BNG in the South East
ACP delivers BNG surveys and reports throughout the South East. We align your submission with:
- Council-specific validation checklists, ensuring you include the right evidence.
- Local biodiversity priorities, such as flood resilience in Kent, or biodiversity offsetting strategies in Sussex.
- Technical accuracy, with UKHab mapping, completed metrics, and RCA where rivers or wetlands are present.
By tailoring each BNG submission to the county and LPA in question, we help clients avoid validation delays, meet local priorities, and demonstrate real commitment to biodiversity conservation.
Biodiversity Net Gain in the East of England
The East of England is a region of contrasts, with fast-growing urban centres, intensively farmed arable land, and internationally important wetlands. This makes it a priority area for biodiversity net gain locations, where councils balance development with long-term biodiversity conservation. Each authority applies the national 10% requirement, but their local validation lists often reflect regional priorities such as ecosystem services, habitat restoration, and climate adaptation.
Regional context
Across Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Norfolk and Suffolk, BNG is tied closely to landscape character and local biodiversity action plans. Many authorities highlight habitat connectivity and wildlife corridors in rural areas, alongside green infrastructure delivery in expanding towns. Developers must also consider flood resilience and soil health, with some councils referencing natural capital and ecosystem resilience in their planning policies.
Cambridgeshire
With large-scale housing and infrastructure schemes, Cambridgeshire authorities often require detailed BNG surveys, mapping, and long-term land management practices. Councils also emphasise sustainable land use and biodiversity offsetting where on-site delivery is limited.
Hertfordshire
Here, authorities integrate BNG with landscape planning and urban green infrastructure. Validation checklists may request evidence of ecological enhancement and links to wider conservation strategy objectives, particularly where development adjoins sensitive countryside.
Bedfordshire
Bedfordshire councils focus on species diversity and maintaining ecological networks across fragmented farmland. A strong emphasis is placed on habitat connectivity, ensuring BNG assessments demonstrate how developments contribute to wider nature-based solutions.
Norfolk
Home to internationally designated wetlands, Norfolk councils expect detailed evidence of ecosystem services, particularly flood regulation and water quality. Developers are often asked for Habitat Management and Monitoring Plans (HMMPs) to secure long-term compliance.
Suffolk
Suffolk integrates BNG into its conservation finance strategies, encouraging developers to invest in off-site habitat restoration and biodiversity offsetting within the county. Councils also stress the role of ecological metrics in demonstrating net gain transparently.
How ACP supports BNG in the East of England
ACP delivers BNG surveys, reports, and submissions across the East of England. Our approach ensures:
- Baseline surveys are accurate and aligned with local validation checklists.
- Reports integrate ecosystem services, habitat restoration, and climate adaptation measures relevant to each county.
- Submissions are planner-ready, reducing the risk of queries and ensuring faster approval.
Biodiversity Net Gain in the West Midlands
The West Midlands region includes both dense urban centres and extensive rural landscapes. This diversity means biodiversity net gain locations here have very different challenges: compact city regeneration projects often need creative on-site solutions, while rural schemes must demonstrate long-term habitat restoration and ecosystem resilience.
Regional context
All West Midlands planning authorities apply the statutory 10% biodiversity net gain requirement, but their local validation lists often include detailed expectations for mapping, metric workbooks and 30-year management plans. Many councils also require Habitat Management and Monitoring Plans (HMMPs) to be submitted alongside the BNG survey report, particularly for schemes that affect wildlife corridors or river catchments.
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!
Metropolitan County (Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall, Wolverhampton)
Authorities across the metropolitan county emphasise the role of green infrastructure in urban regeneration. Councils such as Birmingham and Coventry often expect developers to demonstrate how BNG surveys link to wider ecosystem services like air quality improvement, flood mitigation and urban cooling.
Validation lists frequently highlight:
- Completed biodiversity net gain assessments with transparent ecological metrics.
- Mapping of habitat connectivity and urban wildlife corridors.
- Integration of BNG measures into wider landscape planning and design codes.
Wider West Midlands Counties (Warwickshire, Staffordshire, Shropshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire)
These largely rural counties were early adopters of BNG by council, particularly Warwickshire, Coventry and Solihull, which piloted biodiversity offsetting. Today, they expect high-quality BNG baseline surveys and clear evidence of how gains will be secured through land management practices and conservation strategy documents.
Key priorities include:
- Habitat restoration on agricultural land to support species diversity.
- Use of conservation finance mechanisms to deliver long-term off-site biodiversity offsetting.
- Strong emphasis on sustainable land use and ecological enhancement tied to local nature recovery strategies.
How ACP supports BNG in the West Midlands
ACP has extensive experience delivering BNG surveys and reports across the West Midlands. Our work ensures:
- Submissions are aligned with each council’s local validation checklists.
- RCA surveys and HMMP summaries are included where rivers or sensitive habitats are present.
- Developers can demonstrate compliance not only with the statutory 10% requirement but also with regional priorities for ecosystem resilience, habitat connectivity, and biodiversity conservation.
Biodiversity Net Gain in the East Midlands
The East Midlands is a growth region, with major housing allocations and strategic infrastructure often located on greenfield land. This makes the role of BNG surveys especially important, as councils require detailed evidence that developments will achieve at least 10% uplift while protecting landscape character and ecological value.
Regional context
Authorities in Northamptonshire, Leicestershire, Derbyshire and Lincolnshire apply the statutory BNG framework but frequently strengthen it with local validation lists or SPDs. Many councils here also work through Local Nature Recovery Strategies, encouraging developers to show how their schemes support habitat connectivity, species diversity, and long-term ecosystem resilience.
Northamptonshire
Northamptonshire LPAs often request early submission of BNG survey reports with baseline habitat mapping. They also encourage developers to invest in local biodiversity offsetting schemes when on-site delivery is limited, linking projects to wider conservation strategy goals.
Leicestershire
In Leicestershire, councils highlight habitat restoration and ecological enhancement as part of planning decisions. Validation checklists may also require developers to demonstrate sustainable land use and align their biodiversity net gain assessments with county-wide nature-based solutions.
Derbyshire
Derbyshire authorities stress landscape planning in BNG submissions, reflecting the county’s national parks and sensitive habitats. Developers are expected to show how their BNG surveys contribute to ecosystem services such as water quality, flood regulation and soil health.
Lincolnshire
In Lincolnshire, LPAs encourage long-term land management practices that secure biodiversity gains alongside productive agriculture. Councils frequently require clear Habitat Management and Monitoring Plans (HMMPs) and may reference conservation finance opportunities to support off-site delivery.
How ACP supports BNG in the East Midlands
ACP delivers BNG surveys and biodiversity net gain reports across the East Midlands. Our approach ensures:
- Planner-ready outputs with UKHab mapping, ecological metrics and RCA where required.
- Submissions tailored to county validation requirements, including habitat restoration and offsetting strategies.
- Integration of wider environmental themes such as ecosystem services, natural capital, and climate adaptation into every report.
By combining ecological expertise with local policy knowledge, ACP helps projects across the East Midlands achieve compliance while contributing to long-term biodiversity conservation.
Biodiversity Net Gain in the South West
The South West of England contains some of the UK’s most ecologically sensitive landscapes, from coastal habitats and upland moors to ancient woodland and river systems. As a result, local planning authorities (LPAs) here often apply biodiversity net gain (BNG) policies with a high level of scrutiny. Developers must provide detailed BNG surveys, including baseline habitat mapping and River Condition Assessments (RCAs), to secure validation.
Regional context
Across Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Dorset, Somerset, Devon and Cornwall, councils consistently apply the statutory 10% requirement, but local validation lists frequently expand on what evidence is needed. Many authorities ask for Habitat Management and Monitoring Plans (HMMPs), long-term land management practices, and consideration of ecosystem services such as flood regulation, carbon storage, and soil health.
Gloucestershire
In Gloucestershire, LPAs expect BNG survey reports to demonstrate how developments support habitat connectivity across landscapes, particularly in relation to wildlife corridors and river valleys. Climate adaptation and ecosystem resilience are also core themes.
Wiltshire
Wiltshire councils often highlight the importance of landscape planning and sustainable land use. Validation checklists typically require biodiversity offsetting plans if the full uplift cannot be delivered on site.
Dorset
Dorset places strong emphasis on nature-based solutions, including integration of green infrastructure and ecological enhancement into urban and rural schemes. Local biodiversity action plans influence how BNG by council is implemented.
Somerset
Authorities in Somerset frequently request evidence of habitat restoration and species diversity improvements. Many also encourage the use of conservation finance to deliver off-site units within the county.
Devon
In Devon, LPAs often stress natural capital accounting and require developers to demonstrate how BNG assessments contribute to wider conservation strategy objectives. Long-term ecological metrics reporting is sometimes requested at outline and reserved matters stages.
Cornwall
Cornwall was one of the earliest adopters of BNG by council, requiring a 10% uplift for major applications before the national rollout. Today, Cornwall’s validation checklist requires:
- A BNG survey report with UKHab baseline data.
- A completed metric workbook.
- Evidence of long-term management through HMMPs.
How ACP supports BNG in the South West
ACP provides BNG surveys, reports and RCA assessments across the South West. We tailor each submission to reflect:
- County validation checklists, ensuring the right documents are submitted.
- Local priorities, such as coastal habitat restoration in Cornwall or green infrastructure delivery in Dorset.
- Technical robustness, with baseline surveys, mapping, and metric calculations that withstand audit.
Our approach ensures that developments in the South West not only achieve statutory compliance but also contribute to wider biodiversity conservation, ecosystem resilience and climate adaptation goals.
Biodiversity Net Gain in the North & North West
The North and North West of England has a diverse ecological character, from dense urban centres like Manchester and Liverpool to rural uplands in Cumbria and the Yorkshire Dales. This variety means local planning authorities (LPAs) apply biodiversity net gain (BNG) in different ways, with strong emphasis on local validation requirements, habitat connectivity, and long-term ecosystem resilience.
Regional context
Across Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside, Lancashire, West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, North Yorkshire, East Riding of Yorkshire, County Durham, Tyne and Wear and Cumbria, councils apply the statutory 10% baseline but add local priorities through biodiversity action plans and SPDs. These often include requirements for:
- BNG survey reports with UKHab mapping and condition assessments.
- River Condition Assessments (RCAs) where rivers and streams are present.
- Demonstration of biodiversity offsetting or investment in conservation finance when on-site gains are limited.
- Evidence of habitat restoration and land management practices to secure 30-year delivery.
Cheshire
Cheshire LPAs emphasise landscape planning and sustainable land use, particularly in rural developments. Validation lists frequently request detailed baseline surveys and ecological enhancement measures.
Greater Manchester
The Greater Manchester Combined Authority has issued guidance confirming the statutory 10% uplift, with strong emphasis on BNG by council accountability. Local boroughs highlight urban green infrastructure, wildlife corridors, and nature-based solutions as priorities.
Merseyside
In Merseyside, councils often require BNG submissions to address ecosystem services such as flood regulation and urban cooling. Habitat connectivity and species diversity are central to local biodiversity strategies.
Lancashire
Lancashire authorities focus on habitat restoration and biodiversity conservation in both upland and lowland contexts. Some councils also encourage use of conservation finance to secure off-site units within the county.
Yorkshire counties
Across West, South and North Yorkshire, as well as the East Riding, LPAs often integrate natural capital and conservation strategy objectives into their validation requirements. Developers are expected to demonstrate how BNG contributes to wider ecosystem resilience and climate adaptation goals.
County Durham
Durham councils emphasise habitat connectivity and ecological enhancement, particularly along river corridors and former industrial sites. BNG surveys here must show measurable contributions to local recovery strategies.
Tyne and Wear
Urban authorities in Tyne and Wear highlight green infrastructure and sustainable land use in their planning guidance. BNG survey reports must be clear, concise and demonstrate how developments support long-term species diversity.
Cumbria
In Cumbria, BNG requirements often reference ecosystem resilience and habitat restoration across sensitive upland and coastal landscapes. Councils may require additional monitoring or HMMP detail to ensure compliance over 30 years.
How ACP supports BNG in the North & North West
ACP delivers BNG surveys, reports and RCA assessments across the North and North West. Our approach ensures:
- Every submission meets local validation checklists.
- Reports reflect regional priorities such as habitat restoration, green infrastructure, and climate adaptation.
- Outputs integrate ecological metrics, mapping, and HMMP summaries that LPAs can audit with confidence.
By aligning our technical expertise with local policy, ACP helps developers achieve compliance while contributing to wider biodiversity conservation and ecosystem resilience across the North.
Deliverables & formats
When you commission ACP to prepare biodiversity net gain location-specific advice, you don’t just receive a generic report. We tailor every submission to the local planning authority and region, ensuring compliance with both the national 10% requirement and council-specific expectations.
BNG Survey & Report (PDF)
Planner-ready report aligned with local validation checklists, showing baseline evidence, ecological metrics and regional policy notes.
Metric Workbook (Excel)
Completed statutory biodiversity metric, version-controlled and logged for audit.
Mapping Pack
UKHab baseline maps, proposed habitats and habitat connectivity diagrams, adapted for borough or county requirements.
HMMP Summary
A concise 30-year management framework reflecting local biodiversity action plans and council securing mechanisms.
Location-specific submission support
Covering notes and advice tailored to BNG by council and regional policy. This reduces planning queries and speeds up validation.
Deliverables at a glance
Deliverable | Inclusions | Benefit |
BNG Report | Metrics, mapping, policy alignment | Planner-ready and LPA-compliant |
Metric Workbook | Baseline & post-dev units | Transparent, auditable evidence |
Mapping Pack | Baseline/proposed habitats | Supports local validation & queries |
HMMP Summary | 30-year management | Clear compliance link |
Submission Support | Location-specific notes | Faster validation, fewer queries |
Frequently Asked Questions About Biodiversity Net Gain Locations
Choosing the right location for Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) delivery is one of the most important aspects of achieving compliance under the Environment Act 2021. Whether you’re delivering BNG on-site, off-site, or through habitat banking, understanding how location affects your biodiversity units, credits, and overall project value is essential. This FAQ section answers common questions about how to identify suitable BNG sites, what counts as “strategically significant” locations, and how proximity, local policy, and habitat type influence your metric outcomes. It also explains how ACP helps developers and landowners secure and register compliant BNG locations through both on-site design and accredited off-site opportunities.
Why do biodiversity net gain requirements differ by location?
Although the Environment Act 2021 sets a national minimum of 10% net gain, councils publish their own local validation lists. These can include higher percentage targets, extra documents such as Habitat Management and Monitoring Plans (HMMPs), or requests for River Condition Assessments (RCAs). Tailoring your submission to each LPA ensures faster validation and avoids planning queries.
Do London boroughs have specific BNG requirements?
Yes. All London boroughs apply the London Plan’s BNG policy, but each borough adds its own emphasis. Central boroughs often ask for detailed BNG survey reports with evidence of green infrastructure, while outer boroughs highlight wildlife corridors and habitat connectivity. ACP ensures your submission meets both London Plan policy and borough-level expectations.
Which councils require more than 10% biodiversity net gain?
Some LPAs, such as those in Nottinghamshire, South Oxfordshire, and Guildford, are adopting 20% BNG targets in their local plans. While 10% is the legal minimum, higher local targets can apply as material considerations. ACP monitors these policies and adjusts your BNG submissions accordingly.
What happens if my project crosses multiple LPAs?
For large developments spanning boundaries, you must comply with each council’s BNG by council validation rules. This may mean preparing multiple metric files or location-specific reports. ACP coordinates submissions so your scheme satisfies all authorities without duplication.
Do rural and urban councils treat BNG differently?
Generally yes. Urban LPAs (e.g. Birmingham, Manchester, inner London) emphasise green infrastructure, biodiversity offsetting and ecosystem services like air quality. Rural councils focus on habitat restoration, land management practices and long-term ecosystem resilience. ACP adapts your BNG package to reflect these differences.
How does a River Condition Assessment (RCA) link to locations?
Where rivers are present, many councils such as in Warwickshire, Cornwall, and Yorkshire require a River Condition Assessment (RCA) as part of validation. The RCA feeds into the biodiversity metric, ensuring river units are properly scored. ACP integrates RCA with your BNG survey to meet local requirements.
What documents are normally required for BNG validation?
Most LPAs ask for: a BNG survey report (PDF), completed metric workbook, baseline and proposed habitat maps, and an HMMP summary. Some councils add local forms or templates. ACP provides all of these deliverables and adapts them to each LPA’s checklist.
Are BNG costs the same across all councils?
No. ACP’s professional fees start from £399 + VAT, but councils also set their own monitoring fees, usually through Section 106 agreements. These vary by location. ACP makes it clear what is included in our quote versus what the LPA will charge.
Can ACP handle BNG submissions in my area?
Yes. ACP operates nationwide, covering all London boroughs, the South East, Midlands, South West, East of England, North West, Yorkshire and the North East. We adapt every submission to local validation lists, biodiversity action plans, and regional conservation strategies.
How do BNG locations affect off-site units?
When on-site delivery is not possible, some LPAs require off-site units to be sourced locally, within the same county or nature recovery area. Others accept national market units. ACP advises on biodiversity offsetting and conservation finance options that satisfy both council expectations and national rules.
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.
Local Authority Guidance & Validation References
In addition to national guidance, many councils have introduced their own validation requirements and policy notes on Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG). These local references show how different planning authorities are interpreting the statutory framework and where higher targets or additional evidence may be required.
- London Plan Policy G6 (2021) – The Greater London Authority policy requiring all developments to secure biodiversity net gain and integrate urban greening measures.
- Westminster City Council Validation Checklist – Includes requirements for BNG submissions within planning applications in central London.
- Greater Manchester Combined Authority BNG Guidance– Regional guidance confirming the statutory 10% net gain requirement and advising on validation procedures.
- Nottinghamshire County Council – Biodiversity Net Gain SPD (2024) – Sets out validation requirements and introduces an aspirational 20% BNG target in local plans.
- South Oxfordshire & Vale of White Horse Joint Local Plan – Draft Policy NH2 – Proposes a 20% BNG requirement for new developments, demonstrating how local authorities can go beyond the statutory minimum.
- Cornwall Council – BNG Planning Validation Guidance – An early adopter of BNG, Cornwall requires 10% net gain for major applications, supported by detailed validation checklists.
- Warwickshire, Coventry and Solihull – BNG Framework – One of the UK’s longest-running BNG pilot schemes, requiring 10% net gain and providing a framework for offsetting.
- Durham County Council – Draft Biodiversity SPD – Sets out draft BNG expectations with emphasis on habitat connectivity, river corridors and long-term management.
Together, these examples highlight how BNG by council can vary and why location-specific validation is essential. ACP monitors updates across all regions so your submission always meets the right standard.
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.
- Mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain in England. A Guide by CIEEM.
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Next Steps
- Send us your project details and location – ACP identifies the relevant council validation requirements.
- Receive a fixed-fee proposal – clear pricing from £399 + VAT for baseline surveys, tailored to the LPA.
- BNG survey and report delivery – including metric workbooks, mapping and HMMP summaries.
- Location-specific advice – aligned with borough, county or regional validation lists.
- Ongoing support – ACP liaises with planning officers if further clarification or local adjustments are required.
By combining technical expertise with knowledge of biodiversity net gain locations, ACP ensures your project is compliant, auditable, and tailored to the expectations of your local planning authority.
Explore Related Biodiversity Net Gain Resources
ACP delivers Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments, plans, and monitoring across locations throughout England. To see how our regional work fits within the wider BNG framework, start with the Biodiversity Net Gain Overview and detailed BNG Assessment Guide, which explain the national process and technical standards applied on every project.
Learn how we calculate and verify biodiversity units using the Statutory Biodiversity Metric 4.0 and Small Sites Metric (SSM), ensuring consistency across local authorities. Our consultants prepare complete Biodiversity Gain Plans (BGP) and Habitat Management and Monitoring Plans (HMMP) tailored to local conditions and policy requirements.
For legal and delivery support, review BNG Legislation & Guidance and BNG Exemptions & Thresholds, or explore how Off-Site Biodiversity Units and Registering a Gain Site enable compliance in constrained areas. You can also view our BNG Case Studies & Portfolio for real examples of projects delivered nationwide.
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.