Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Surveys & Consultants in the East Midlands

Most new developments in the East Midlands that require planning permission will be subject to the biodiversity gain condition introduced by the Environment Act 2021. According to national guidance, and as confirmed by local LPAs in the region, the requirement becomes mandatory for planning applications made on or after 12 February 2024 for major sites and 2 April 2024 for smaller sites (unless exempt).
Local authorities in the East Midlands region have adopted SPDs and guidance to implement the national policy. For example, Nottinghamshire’s SPD states that a minimum of 10% biodiversity net gain is required and must be supported by a Habitat Management & Monitoring Plan for at least 30 years.
Exemptions may apply (for example, permitted development rights, very small de-minimis sites or prior permissions) it is essential to check with your local planning authority.

BNG is calculated using DEFRA’s metric tool (such as the Biodiversity Metric 4.0 or Small Sites Metric). The process involves quantifying the biodiversity units at baseline (pre-development), then estimating the biodiversity units post-development achievable by habitat creation, enhancement or restoration. The percentage increase must meet or exceed the statutory 10% minimum.
If the post-development units fall short, developers must propose further measures (on-site or off-site) or purchase biodiversity units from a registered habitat bank. The full plan must include long-term management and monitoring arrangements (typically 30 years) to ensure the outcome is sustainable.

On-site BNG means that habitat creation, enhancement or restoration takes place within the red-line boundary of the development site and contributes to the metric calculation directly. Off-site BNG means habitat gains are secured at another location either through purchase of credits, habitat banking or working in partnership with another landowner where on-site gains are not feasible.
Within the East Midlands, many LPAs prefer on-site delivery, but recognise off-site mechanisms where appropriate, subject to local biodiversity priorities, connectivity, nature recovery networks and legal agreements. Early engagement and strategy development helps secure smooth approval.

Local guidance across the East Midlands confirms that biodiversity net gain must be secured for the long-term. For instance, Nottinghamshire’s SPD specifies that once habitat creation or enhancement is completed, the gains must be legally secured and managed for at least 30 years.
These arrangements typically take the form of legal agreements (such as S106 obligations or conservation covenants), monitoring schedules, funding mechanisms, and a statement of responsibilities. Without robust 30-year management, the biodiversity gain condition may not be discharged.

To avoid delays:

• Engage a competent ecological consultant (such as ACP Consultants) at the early concept stage, ideally before planning submission.
• Commission habitat and species surveys early to establish baseline biodiversity units.
• Integrate biodiversity net gain (BNG) strategy into the site design, rather than treating it as an after-thought.
• Use the metric tool to identify shortfalls and plan realistic habitat solutions or off-site opportunities from the outset.
• Liaise proactively with the local planning authority for pre-application advice, clarify information requirements and agree timelines.
• Ensure budget and management arrangements are built into the project cost: habitat delivery, long-term monitoring and legal agreements all carry cost implications.
  By following this approach, you minimise the risk of planning conditions being withheld, reduce potential redesign costs and position your development as compliant and sustainable.

BNG is a key part of the Government’s sustainable development agenda under the Environment Act 2021. By requiring developments to enhance habitats and leave biodiversity in a measurably better state, it ensures growth happens without long-term ecological loss. In the East Midlands, BNG helps align new housing, commercial and infrastructure schemes with sustainability goals set out in local plans and the green infrastructure policies of authorities such as Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire. This approach improves resilience to climate change and delivers tangible ecological and community benefits.

Yes. Many major developments in the East Midlands that trigger the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations 2017 must now include a biodiversity net gain assessment within their ecological chapter. The statutory DEFRA Metric 4.0 provides quantitative evidence for biodiversity change, which integrates directly into EIA processes. ACP Consultants routinely provide EIA-compatible BNG chapters and coordinate with other environmental disciplines—such as air quality, noise and landscape to ensure environmental compliance and consistent reporting for planning submission.

Professional ecological consultancy is crucial to interpreting and applying regional BNG guidance. In the East Midlands, consultants like ACP Consultants assess local habitats, calculate biodiversity units, and translate complex metric results into actionable habitat creation plans. Our role extends to advising LPAs on habitat connectivity, identifying opportunities for ecological restoration and ensuring each Biodiversity Gain Plan complies with both national legislation and local policies on green infrastructure and nature recovery.

Biodiversity net gain contributes directly to natural capital accounting by quantifying the ecological value of land and tracking its enhancement over time. In the East Midlands, where land-use planning often involves balancing agricultural, residential and industrial growth, BNG metrics provide a consistent evidence base. They allow planners and developers to demonstrate how their projects deliver wider ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration, water regulation and pollination supporting both local and regional conservation strategies and the Government’s 25-Year Environment Plan.

Habitat enhancement and ecological restoration are two of the most effective ways to deliver the required biodiversity units under the DEFRA Metric 4.0 framework. In the East Midlands, this might include restoring lowland meadow, improving woodland structure, re-naturalising watercourses or enhancing hedgerow networks. ACP Consultants design site-specific restoration measures that not only increase biodiversity management scores but also strengthen habitat connectivity across the wider landscape. These improvements reduce off-site compensation costs and contribute to regional green infrastructure and sustainable development objectives.