Biodiversity Net Gain Legislation & Guidance
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) legislation is transforming how development projects are planned in England. Under this new legislative framework, developers must leave nature in a better state than before. That means every project now needs to deliver a measurable uplift in biodiversity value a net improvement rather than just mitigating damage. In this guide, we have BNG legislation explained in plain terms, including what the Environment Act 2021 introduced and how to navigate the latest regulations and guidance. Whether you’re a planner, developer, or landowner, understanding BNG is crucial for compliance and for contributing to sustainable development on the ground.
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.
Overview of BNG Legislation
Biodiversity net gain became a legal requirement through the Environment Act 2021, which amended the existing UK planning law to include a “biodiversity gain” condition on planning permissions. In essence, the law mandates that certain new developments must achieve at least a 10% net gain in biodiversity compared to the site’s pre-development baseline. This gain must be maintained for a minimum of 30 years, ensuring long-term habitat enhancement and management. The details of how BNG works in practice have been set out via secondary legislation (six BNG regulations 2024 and late 2023) which went live when BNG became mandatory for planning applications. Crucially, BNG applies to most Town and Country Planning Act developments in England and is consented and enforced through the planning system.
Key Milestones in BNG Legislation
- November 2021: The Environment Act 2021 received Royal Assent, introducing the statutory concept of biodiversity net gain in England.
- Spring 2023: Government published responses to consultations and draft BNG secondary legislation detailing implementation.
- 12 February 2024: BNG became mandatory for major developments (large planning applications). A general 10% biodiversity net gain must be achieved and approved as part of new permissions from this date.
- 2 April 2024: BNG requirements extended to small developments. Even minor projects now fall under BNG rules (using a simplified small sites metric for calculation, where eligible).
- November 2025 (target): BNG expected to apply to Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs), integrating net gain into major infrastructure planning (this is set to roll out via future regulations).
This timeline illustrates how quickly BNG has moved from policy to practice. Essentially, by early 2024 biodiversity net gain became mandatory nationwide in England’s planning process. If you’re wondering “When did BNG become mandatory?”, the answer is early 2024 for most developments marking one of the biggest shifts in development regulations in decades.
BNG Requirements and Exemptions Explained
Under the new rules, any development that falls under the scope of BNG must prepare and submit a Biodiversity Gain Plan (sometimes called a biodiversity net gain plan or report) as part of the planning application or before commencing work. This plan demonstrates how the project will achieve the minimum 10% net gain. Key components include an assessment of the site’s pre-development biodiversity value (the baseline), measures to avoid or minimize harm (following the mitigation hierarchy), and proposals to create or enhance habitats either on-site or off-site to deliver the net gain. A completed biodiversity metric calculation is central to this plan, showing quantitatively that post-development biodiversity units will be at least 1.10 times the baseline units. The plan also covers long-term management typically via a Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan (HMMP) to ensure the net gains are sustained for at least 30 years through proper stewardship.
How Is Biodiversity Net Gain Measured?
It’s done through a standardised BNG metric. Developers must use the Statutory Biodiversity Metric (BM4.0) tool, which converts habitat features (area, type, condition, etc.) into “biodiversity units.”
An ecologist usually conducts a biodiversity net gain assessment by surveying the site (often using the UKHab habitat classification) and inputting data into the metric. The metric then calculates units for the existing habitat and predicts units for the post-development habitat (including any new habitat creation or enhancements).
If the post-development units are at least 10% higher, the project achieves net gain. If not, the developer must include additional habitat enhancements either on another site or purchase equivalent biodiversity units elsewhere to make up the shortfall. Off-site units can be secured via local habitat banks or through conservation organisations, and they must be registered in Natural England’s Biodiversity Gain Site Register to count.
BNG Exemptions and Small-Scale Developments
Importantly, the BNG regime is intended to be proportionate. Certain types of development are explicitly exempt from the 10% net gain requirement. These BNG exemptions ensure that very small or low-impact projects are not over-burdened.
For example, householder applications (like home extensions, loft conversions, garden sheds) are exempt everyday homeowners doing minor works don’t need to worry about BNG. A de minimis threshold also applies: if a scheme affects only a tiny area of habitat (under 25m² or a few metres of hedgerow) and no important habitats, it may be exempt.
Self-build and custom-build housing on small plots (meeting specific size and unit criteria) enjoy an exemption too, acknowledging the need to support small-scale builders.
Other Biodiversity Net Gain Exemptions
Certain large infrastructure works are carved out as well, such as projects related to the high-speed rail network (HS2) or urgent Crown development. Additionally, developments that are permitted by other legislation or orders (like some permitted development rights) don’t require BNG.
Any project that was submitted before BNG’s start date (12 Feb 2024) is generally exempt under transitional arrangements. These biodiversity net gain exemptions were designed to keep the policy ambitious yet avoid undue burdens on very small or special cases.
However, even if exempt from the national 10% rule, some projects might still be encouraged to deliver biodiversity enhancements under local policy or voluntary schemes.
Summary of BNG Requirements
In summary, most new developments in England now face a clear legal duty: achieve a 10% biodiversity net gain and prove it with a robust plan. Only a narrow set of projects are excluded.
If your project is not exempt, BNG compliance is as essential as other planning requirements. Failing to meet the biodiversity gain condition can delay your permission or even result in planning refusal. Our role is to help you navigate these requirements smoothly.
Biodiversity Net Gain Examples in Practice
Implementing BNG might sound abstract, so what does it look like on the ground? Here are several biodiversity net gain examples that illustrate how different types of development can meet their net gain targets.
Urban Housing Development
A new housing estate incorporates a wildflower meadow, street trees, and a community pond on-site. Existing scrub is enhanced and native trees are planted along site boundaries to form wildlife corridors connecting to a nearby park.
These habitat enhancements increase the site’s biodiversity units by over 10%, while also providing green amenity space and ecosystem services such as pollination, improved air quality, and sustainable drainage. This demonstrates how housing schemes can integrate green infrastructure into design, creating both ecological and community benefits.
Commercial Project with Off-Site Offsetting
An office park expansion unavoidably builds on low-value grassland, causing a loss of biodiversity units. To achieve net gain, the developer funds an off-site habitat restoration project. A degraded wetland nearby is restored and expanded in partnership with a conservation charity.
This biodiversity offsetting yields more units than were lost, credited to the development via the Biodiversity Gain Site Register. The result is a net positive outcome for nature at the landscape scale, showing how BNG can work through collaboration and investment beyond the site boundary.
Infrastructure Upgrade and Habitat Enhancement
A road improvement scheme impacts hedgerows and trees. The project team minimises removal and integrates green infrastructure such as wildlife underpasses and new hedgerow plantings.
Additionally, adjacent land is used to create a new woodland buffer, helping with carbon sequestration and providing bird habitat. A nearby brook is enhanced with native vegetation, improving water quality and connectivity. These measures ensure the scheme delivers habitat protection and long-term ecological value.
Why Biodiversity Net Gain Matters
These examples show that BNG isn’t just a box-ticking exercise it leads to tangible results in ecological restoration and habitat creation. From woodland restoration to installing bat boxes on new buildings, there are countless ways to embed biodiversity into development.
By planning creatively, developers can meet the requirements of biodiversity net gain legislation UK and also achieve broader goals: community wellbeing, climate resilience, and alignment with national environmental sustainability policies.
DEFRA Guidance on Biodiversity Net Gain
Because the BNG policy is fairly complex, the government and its agencies have published extensive materials. DEFRA guidance provides a comprehensive biodiversity net gain guidance collection on GOV.UK, covering everything from basic definitions to detailed requirements.
This includes step-by-step guides tailored for different users developers, local planning authorities (LPAs), and land managers who might create off-site habitat for sale. The official guidance explains:
- how to measure biodiversity using the BNG metric
- how to prepare a Biodiversity Gain Plan
- how to apply the principle of additionality (so only genuinely new habitat enhancements count)
- how to secure and monitor biodiversity sites
These resources reflect the latest interpretations of biodiversity net gain legislation UK and provide essential direction for achieving compliance.
Local Planning Authorities and Validation Requirements
Local planning authorities are on the front line of implementing BNG. Most councils have updated their local validation checklists to require biodiversity net gain information as part of planning submissions.
In practice, when submitting an application you will usually need to provide:
- a completed biodiversity metric calculation
- a statement of how the 10% net gain will be achieved
- in many cases, a full Biodiversity Gain Plan
LPAs will assess these documents before granting permission. Some councils set higher expectations than the statutory 10% or focus on local priorities, such as creating wetlands or linking habitats into a Local Nature Recovery Strategy.
For example, certain authorities in Gloucestershire already required stronger biodiversity outcomes before 2024. Early pilot projects even aimed for 20% net gain. Understanding these local nuances is vital our team monitors them closely to shape proposals that satisfy both national legislation and local planning policy.
Natural England Tools and the BNG Metric
On the technical side, Natural England provides the tools needed to measure and deliver BNG. The Statutory Biodiversity Metric (BM4.0) and the Small Sites Metric are official calculation tools available with user guides. These tools ensure consistency in measuring biodiversity losses and gains.
If a site includes rivers or streams, a River Condition Assessment (RCA) must also be carried out. For ditches, a Ditch Condition Assessment is used. These additional tools ensure accurate representation of less common but important habitat types.
Natural England also operates the Biodiversity Gain Site Register, a new digital registry where all off-site habitat created for net gain must be recorded. This system prevents double counting and ensures transparency. Alongside the register, developers can access statutory biodiversity credits sold by government as a last-resort option when on-site or off-site gains are not feasible.
Together, these mechanisms form the infrastructure of the BNG regime introduced in 2024.
Planning Practice Guidance and Compliance Monitoring
Finally, the government has updated the Planning Practice Guidance (PPG) with a dedicated section on biodiversity net gain. This provides practical direction on:
- how phased developments should handle BNG
- enforcement of biodiversity gain conditions
- how planning appeals may treat biodiversity issues
These updates sit alongside emerging practices in compliance monitoring. Regulations are expected to evolve further, particularly around the definition of “irreplaceable habitats” and the long-term reporting obligations for developers.
Our consultants track these updates continuously so clients always receive the most accurate advice. By staying aligned with DEFRA, Natural England, and PPG updates, we ensure your projects meet both current and future expectations under BNG guidance.
Benefits of BNG for Sustainable Development
Far from being just a regulatory hurdle, Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) aligns development with core sustainable development goals. It hard-wires nature’s recovery into the planning system and delivers a wide range of environmental, social, and economic benefits.
Enhancing Ecosystem Services
By creating more or better habitats, BNG projects directly support essential ecosystem services.
- New woodlands and wetlands can improve water quality, reduce flood risk, and increase carbon sequestration as they grow.
- Urban developments benefit from green roofs and street trees, which contribute to cooling, air purification, and improved wellbeing.
In short, investing in biodiversity yields long-term returns in ecological health, resilience to climate change, and higher quality environments for communities.
Green Infrastructure and Quality of Life
BNG encourages the integration of green infrastructure into design.
- Parks, ponds, hedgerows, and wildflower areas make places more attractive and liveable.
- Access to natural spaces can improve mental health, community wellbeing, and property values.
By engaging in community engagement early, developers can shape BNG enhancements that meet local needs whether that’s play spaces, community orchards, or nature trails. These shared benefits can help secure local support and speed up planning approval.
Nature Conservation on a Broader Scale
At its core, BNG is about nature conservation and reversing biodiversity loss.
- Even small contributions from individual sites, when combined, create large networks of ecological restoration and habitat connectivity.
- Net gain complements biodiversity action plans and species recovery initiatives, supporting pollinators, birds, and other wildlife at landscape scale.
Developers can be confident that they are positively contributing to long-term conservation outcomes, not just offsetting losses.
Compliance and Corporate Responsibility
Adopting BNG is also an opportunity for businesses to show leadership in environmental sustainability.
- Meeting or exceeding BNG requirements enhances reputation and demonstrates commitment to nature and climate goals.
- Biodiversity improvements can be treated as part of natural capital accounting, delivering long-term value.
- Some schemes may even generate excess biodiversity units, opening opportunities in conservation finance through unit sales or trading.
This proactive approach helps achieve smoother planning consents and builds investor and stakeholder confidence.
Future-Proofing Against Climate Legislation)
While BNG is distinct from climate change legislation, it complements broader environmental policy.
- Many biodiversity measures such as peatland restoration or woodland creation also help store carbon and strengthen climate resilience.
- By delivering BNG now, developers are future-proofing their projects against upcoming environmental policy shifts and demonstrating strong legislative compliance.
Summary: A Win-Win for Development and Nature
In summary, BNG is a win-win approach. Developments not only gain planning approval by meeting development regulations, but they also deliver richer green spaces and healthier ecosystems. It is development with nature rather than against it.
Our role is to ensure that your project reaps these benefits while meeting all legal requirements under biodiversity net gain legislation UK.
Our BNG Services & Process
Navigating BNG legislation and delivering the required outcomes can be complex but that’s where we come in. We are BNG specialists offering end-to-end support, guiding your project from initial assessment through to long-term compliance.
Early Consultation and Planning
We begin by understanding your development plans and constraints. Early engagement is key. If consulted at the concept stage, we can identify win-win solutions that integrate biodiversity without major redesigns.
- We check relevant local plan policies and any local authority expectations for biodiversity net gain above the statutory 10%.
- In areas such as Gloucestershire, local councils may have specific nature recovery initiatives or higher BNG targets.
- We also review existing ecological studies and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) scoping to integrate net gain into wider environmental requirements.
Baseline Biodiversity Assessment
Our ecologists conduct a baseline biodiversity net gain assessment using UK Habitat Classification (UKHab) surveys. This establishes the current habitat types, condition, and extent.
We identify any protected species or irreplaceable habitats early as these require special treatment outside the metric. The data is then processed through the Statutory BNG Metric (BM4.0) to calculate existing biodiversity units.
This baseline provides the foundation for your BNG strategy. We translate the figures into clear language so you know how much “net gain” your project must deliver.
Designing for Net Gain
We work closely with your design team planners, landscape architects, and engineers to embed BNG into your scheme. Following the mitigation hierarchy, we prioritise:
- Avoiding and minimising habitat loss.
- Identifying on-site habitat enhancement opportunities.
- Proposing practical solutions like green corridors, SuDS ponds, native planting, or green roofs and living walls.
At each design stage, we recalculate projected units in the BNG metric to confirm whether the 10% target is met. Our goal is to achieve maximum net gain efficiently while balancing ecological benefit with site practicality.
Off-Site Solutions and Biodiversity Offsetting
In some cases, on-site measures alone cannot achieve the 10% uplift. Here, we arrange off-site biodiversity gains.
- We have access to emerging habitat banks and biodiversity unit providers across the UK.
- We liaise with landowners or conservation partners who can deliver habitats on their land and sell biodiversity units.
- All off-site units are checked for compliance: legally secured for 30+ years, registered on the Natural England Biodiversity Gain Site Register, and aligned with trading rules.
If on-site and off-site measures are not feasible, we also guide clients through the purchase of statutory biodiversity credits a last-resort, higher-cost option.
Preparing the Biodiversity Gain Plan
Once the strategy is agreed, we prepare the formal Biodiversity Gain Plan (BGP) for submission. This includes:
- Pre-development biodiversity value (metric report with baseline units).
- Avoidance and mitigation measures.
- On-site habitat retention, creation, and enhancement with mapped layouts.
- Off-site provisions (location, habitat type, unit numbers, register references).
- Confirmation that the biodiversity net gain condition is achieved, with at least 110% of baseline units.
- A summary of long-term management and monitoring (often including a draft Habitat Management & Monitoring Plan – HMMP).
We also prepare supporting evidence such as condition assessments, species surveys, and legal agreements. The goal is to present a gold-standard BNG package that gives planning authorities full confidence.
Submission, Approval and Local Authority Liaison
We can submit the BNG plan on your behalf and respond to queries from local planning authorities.
- We act as your advocate in discussions with the LPA ecologist.
- If amendments are required, we handle them promptly.
- Once permission is granted, we assist in discharging the biodiversity condition finalising Section 106 agreements or conservation covenants to secure land management for 30 years.
We also coordinate with contractors and landscaping teams to ensure they understand and implement BNG requirements on-site.
Long-Term Compliance and Monitoring
BNG is not just about gaining permission it is a 30-year commitment. We provide ongoing support to ensure compliance monitoring and reporting obligations are met.
- We conduct annual habitat checks in line with the HMMP.
- Monitoring reports are prepared for councils, demonstrating that habitats are establishing as planned.
- We provide adaptive management advice if outcomes diverge from targets.
- We can train site managers and maintenance staff in biodiversity-friendly land stewardship practices.
With our oversight, you remain compliant and protected from enforcement action, while your site genuinely delivers lasting ecological benefits.
Tailored, Scalable Support
Whether you are developing a single home, a commercial site, or a large mixed-use scheme, our BNG consultancy process scales to your needs. Each project is unique, and we adapt our methodology accordingly.
Our focus is always on making biodiversity net gain straightforward and beneficial ensuring you comply with biodiversity net gain legislation UK, while creating places that are more sustainable, attractive, and resilient.
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!
Frequently Asked Questions on BNG Legislation and Guidance
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) legislation is new, complex, and rapidly evolving. Below we’ve compiled answers to the most common questions from developers, planners, and landowners. These FAQs cover everything from the BNG legislation 2021 foundations to the practicalities of biodiversity net gain legislation 2024, exemptions, guidance, and compliance monitoring.
What is BNG legislation and why is it important?
BNG legislation requires developers to deliver at least a 10% biodiversity net gain on most new projects in England. Introduced by the BNG legislation 2021 provisions of the Environment Act, it ensures habitats are protected, enhanced, or created so that development leaves nature better off. It represents one of the most significant shifts in UK planning law and environmental impact legislation in decades.
When did BNG become mandatory in England?
BNG became mandatory in stages: from 12 February 2024 for major developments, from 2 April 2024 for small sites, and is due to extend to Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) in late 2025. These changes were implemented through the biodiversity net gain legislation 2024 and accompanying regulations.
What guidance exists for biodiversity net gain?
The main official resource is the biodiversity net gain legislation GOV.UK guidance collection, which provides clear instructions for developers, LPAs, and landowners. DEFRA guidance, Natural England user guides, and the Planning Practice Guidance (PPG) all explain how to apply the rules in practice.
How is biodiversity net gain measured?
BNG is measured using the BNG metric (Statutory Biodiversity Metric v4.0, or the Small Sites Metric for minor projects). An ecologist completes a biodiversity net gain assessment by surveying habitats and calculating biodiversity units. The final Biodiversity Gain Plan demonstrates compliance with legislation.
Which developments are exempt from BNG requirements?
Some projects qualify for BNG exemptions, including householder applications, de minimis impacts (tiny habitat areas), and small self-build schemes. Transitional provisions also exempt applications submitted before February 2024. Exemptions are set out in the biodiversity net gain secondary legislation adopted alongside the Environment Act.
What is a Biodiversity Gain Plan and report?
A Biodiversity Gain Plan (sometimes called a biodiversity net gain report) is the key document demonstrating compliance. It includes the baseline biodiversity value, the measures proposed (on-site and off-site), use of the BNG metric, and long-term monitoring commitments. It is required to discharge the biodiversity condition attached to planning permissions.
Can developers use off-site solutions or biodiversity offsets?
Yes. If on-site measures cannot meet the 10% uplift, developers may rely on biodiversity offsets through off-site solutions. This includes habitat banking, where landowners create or restore habitat in advance and sell biodiversity units to developers. All off-site gains must be registered with Natural England’s Biodiversity Gain Site Register and secured for at least 30 years.
What role do local planning authorities play in BNG compliance?
Local planning authorities (LPAs) enforce BNG through the validation process and by reviewing Biodiversity Gain Plans. Many have updated their local validation checklists to require BNG details at submission. Some also set higher expectations than the statutory minimum.
How does BNG interact with Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)?
BNG is separate but complementary to Ecological Impact Assessments and broader environmental impact legislation. In practice, BNG calculations often build on ecological survey data already gathered for EIA, making it easier to integrate both processes.
What are statutory biodiversity credits and when are they used?
Statutory biodiversity credits are a last-resort option where on-site and off-site measures cannot achieve the required 10% uplift. They are purchased from government and priced deliberately higher than market rates to encourage direct habitat enhancement or habitat banking solutions instead.
Why is biodiversity net gain considered a game changer for developers?
The biodiversity net gain legislation UK shifts development practice towards sustainability. By embedding green infrastructure, enhancing ecosystem services, and improving habitat restoration, projects gain smoother approvals, improved community engagement, and long-term environmental resilience.
What are biodiversity offsets and how are they used?
Biodiversity offsets are measures that compensate for unavoidable biodiversity loss when on-site and off-site actions within the development boundary cannot achieve the required uplift. In practice, developers may purchase biodiversity units from third parties or conservation providers, with delivery secured for at least 30 years. These biodiversity offsets are only used after applying the mitigation hierarchy and must be registered with Natural England’s Biodiversity Gain Site Register.
How does habitat banking support biodiversity net gain?
Habitat banking allows landowners or conservation organisations to create or restore habitats in advance and register the resulting biodiversity units for sale to developers. This system of habitat banking ensures supply of high-quality, legally secured habitats that meet biodiversity net gain requirements. It provides certainty for developers, while also delivering strategic, landscape-scale restoration projects.
References
- Guidance: Statutory biodiversity credit prices.
- Guidance: Estimate the cost of statutory biodiversity credits.
- Biodiversity Net Gain Monitoring Fees. Torridge District Council.
- Biodiversity net gain legislation 2024. UK Statutory Instruments.
- Guidance: Understanding biodiversity net gain.
- Creating a habitat management and monitoring plan for BNG. Defra.
- Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) – Habitat banks, monitoring, and fees. East Devon District Council.
- Register your interest in a legal agreement to regulate an off-site biodiversity net gain site. Buckinghamshire Council.
- The Biodiversity Net Gain Statutory Instruments – explained. Defra.
- The Biodiversity Gain Requirements (Exemptions) Regulations 2024. UK Statutory Instruments.
- Get ready for new Biodiversity Net Gain legislation. Natural England.
- 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.
- Statutory biodiversity metric – How units are calculated, modules, factors, and guidance on early use. Statutory Metric and User Guide (GOV.UK).
- The Biodiversity Gain Site Register Regulations 2024. UK Statutory Instruments.
- 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)
- Securing off-site Biodiversity Net Gain: Expert legal perspectives. Natural England.
- Guidance: Make off-site biodiversity gains as a developer. Defra.
- 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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Why Choose Us for BNG Legislation and Compliance?
Implementing biodiversity net gain can be challenging, but partnering with the right experts makes all the difference. Here’s why clients trust us to deliver on BNG:
Depth of Expertise
We are not newcomers to biodiversity net gain legislation and compliance. Our team includes seasoned ecologists, environmental planners, and biodiversity strategists who have been working with net gain concepts since before the mandate. We understand the legislative framework inside out from the wording of Schedule 7A of the TCPA to the finer points of the BNG secondary legislation in 2023.
This legal and technical expertise means we interpret requirements accurately and keep you 100% compliant. You won’t have to worry about missing a detail in the regulations; we’ve got it covered.
Track Record of Success
We have successfully prepared BNG plans for a variety of developments, from rural housing schemes to urban commercial redevelopments. Our portfolio includes projects in major cities and sensitive rural landscapes.
Notably, we have experience navigating BNG with local councils across England. Whether it’s a project in London or a housing scheme in Cheltenham or Gloucester, we’re familiar with local planning authority expectations. (If you’re in Gloucestershire, for example, we understand the county’s particular approach to nature enhancement and can leverage that local insight.)
Our familiarity with local planning authorities nationwide translates into smoother approvals for you.
Integrated, Practical Solutions
We pride ourselves on balancing ecology with practicality. As consultants, we bridge the gap between the environmental policy goals of BNG and the real-world constraints of development and land use planning.
Clients often remark that we find creative solutions that add value rather than just cost. For instance, we might design a net gain landscape that doubles as a natural play area for a new housing estate meeting a planning obligation and marketing the homes with a beautiful feature.
Our approach looks for multi-benefit outcomes. We also consider cost-effectiveness: through smart resource management, we aim to meet the 10% requirement in ways that are financially sensible (e.g. enhancing an underused corner of your site might be cheaper and easier than buying expensive credits later). By thinking ahead, we save you money and hassle.
End-to-End Support and Assurance
BNG legislation and compliance isn’t just a one-off task; it extends through the life of the project. We are one of the few consultancies offering end-to-end support, including the often overlooked post-construction phase.
This comprehensive service means we take accountability for the net gain outcome, not just the paperwork. Our commitment is to see your project achieve its biodiversity goals on paper and in reality.
This continuous engagement provides peace of mind: you know that someone is looking out for your long-term obligations, which is especially valuable to developers holding assets or operating sites over decades. Essentially, we act as custodians of your project’s biodiversity performance.
Passion for Positive Change
Beyond the technicalities, we genuinely care about nature and quality development. Our company’s mission aligns with the spirit of BNG to foster development that leaves a positive legacy. This isn’t just a compliance exercise for us, but an opportunity to make things better.
That passion translates into a higher quality of service. We go the extra mile to identify biodiversity opportunities that might otherwise be missed. We also stay at the forefront of best practices, participating in industry forums and training (we’re members of CIEEM and engage with Natural England and DEFRA guidance updates regularly).
When you work with us, you’re getting consultants who are enthusiastic advocates for your project and for nature.
A Partner You Can Trust
In choosing us, you gain a partner who will de-risk the whole BNG process and add credibility to your scheme. We help you avoid potential pitfalls such as underestimating the time needed for habitat creation or misapplying trading rules in the metric – which could otherwise derail your planning consent.
Instead, you’ll be able to move forward confidently, with a clear strategy that satisfies regulators and benefits wildlife. We’ll make sure your project not only complies with the biodiversity net gain legislation UK developers must follow, but truly becomes a showcase of how development and biodiversity can coexist.
Let us handle the complexities of biodiversity net gain bng legislation for you, so you can focus on your core project knowing the biodiversity aspects are in expert hands.
Explore Related Biodiversity Net Gain Resources
Once you understand the legal framework behind Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), explore how these requirements are implemented in practice through ACP’s connected resources. Begin with the Biodiversity Net Gain Overview and our in-depth BNG Assessment Guide to see how legislative principles translate into measurable on-site outcomes.
Learn to apply the Statutory Biodiversity Metric 4.0 or Small Sites Metric (SSM) for compliance, and prepare your formal submission using our Biodiversity Gain Plan (BGP) and Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan (HMMP).
Developers and landowners can also review Conservation Covenants vs Section 106 Agreements and Registering a Gain Site to secure long-term habitat protection, or explore Off-Site Biodiversity Units for strategic delivery. To assist with documentation and costing, see our BNG Templates & Downloads and BNG Costs & Pricing.
For practical examples of compliance, visit our BNG Case Studies & Portfolio, showing how Environment Act 2021 requirements are successfully delivered on-site.
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.