Lincolnshire BNG advice
Biodiversity Net Gain in Lincolnshire
Plan your Lincolnshire development around its habitats, local policies and biodiversity net gain requirements.
ACP Consultants can help with habitat surveys, biodiversity metric calculations and a practical BNG delivery plan for your Lincolnshire site.
Local planning guidance
How does statutory BNG work in Lincolnshire?
Qualifying planning applications in England generally need to achieve a biodiversity improvement of at least 10%.
An ecologist records the existing habitats and their condition, normally using appropriate UKHab mapping and the statutory biodiversity metric. The proposed layout and landscaping can then be compared with the baseline to identify losses and gains.
Biodiversity value is not simply the percentage of a site kept green. The metric considers habitat type, area, condition, distinctiveness, strategic significance and the time and difficulty of creating new habitats.
Hedgerow and watercourse units are calculated separately from area habitats. Therefore, the loss of an important hedgerow or drain cannot automatically be offset by extra amenity grassland.
Early ecological work helps the project team avoid unnecessary habitat loss, preserve valued features and understand the likely delivery obligations.
For detailed methods and deliverables, see ACP's BNG assessment service and statutory biodiversity metric calculations.
Local planning guidance
Which Lincolnshire planning authority applies to your site?
Lincolnshire is not one local planning authority. Different adopted plans apply across the county, the two northern unitary councils and relevant minerals or waste projects.
The correct council determines which local policies, validation checklist and any additional protected-site assessment apply.
| Site area or project type | Planning authority | Adopted policy starting point | Additional check |
|---|---|---|---|
| City of Lincoln | City of Lincoln Council | Central Lincolnshire Local Plan 2023 S60 and S61 | Current Biodiversity Gain Statement, even when statutory BNG exempt |
| Sleaford, North Hykeham and North Kesteven district | North Kesteven District Council | Central Lincolnshire 2023 S60/S61 | Current authority-specific validation list and mapped BOM/LNRS actions |
| Gainsborough, Market Rasen and West Lindsey district | West Lindsey District Council | Central Lincolnshire 2023 S60/S61 | Updated validation list adopted August 2026; verify the actual application version |
| Boston borough and neighbouring settlements | Boston Borough Council | South East Lincolnshire 2019 Policy 28 | Protected coast/Wash HRA if a genuine impact pathway exists |
| Spalding, Holbeach and South Holland | South Holland District Council | South East Lincolnshire 2019 Policy 28 | Application-type local validation, current national BNG law |
| Louth, Horncastle, Skegness, Mablethorpe and East Lindsey | East Lindsey District Council | East Lindsey 2018 SP24 | Gibraltar Point/Greater Wash protected sites and Lincolnshire Wolds landscape as applicable |
| Grantham, Stamford, Bourne and South Kesteven | South Kesteven District Council | South Kesteven 2020 EN2/EN3 | Old 2024 draft review no longer being progressed; 2020 adopted plan remains |
| Scunthorpe, Brigg, Barton and North Lincolnshire | North Lincolnshire Council | Saved 2003 policies and 2011 CS17 | 2045 plan is emerging; Humber impact screening where needed |
| Grimsby, Cleethorpes, Immingham and North East Lincolnshire | North East Lincolnshire Council | 2018 Policy 41 and Policy 9 | South Humber Bank habitat mitigation, which is distinct from BNG; 2026 draft not adopted |
| Minerals, waste and certain county development in Lincolnshire County area | Lincolnshire County Council | Minerals and Waste Plan 2016/2017 | Restoration and phased habitat evidence; different unitary mineral/waste planning powers |
City of Lincoln, North Kesteven and West Lindsey use one Central Lincolnshire policy framework, but remain separate planning authorities. Likewise, Boston and South Holland share a Local Plan without becoming one council.
Lincolnshire County Council does not normally determine ordinary district housing applications. The two northern unitary councils also have their own development and minerals or waste planning powers.
Practical planning guidance
Six questions to scope your Lincolnshire BNG assessment
Gather these details for your site brief, including local validation evidence and any separate protected-site mitigation.
| Question | Why it matters | What to prepare |
|---|---|---|
| 1. What is the application date and whole site area? | From 6 August 2026 the ≤0.2ha exemption may apply to qualifying new permissions if onsite priority habitat is not adversely affected; older/section73 cases differ. | Red-line plan, area, application history and current exemptions guidance |
| 2. What existing habitats and species may be affected? | Coastal wetland, grassland, mature trees, hedgerows and drains have different survey, metric and protected-site requirements. | UKHab baseline/condition sheets, tree and species information, and designated-site impact screening where needed |
| 3. Is a mapped LNRS recovery measure eligible? | APIBs, ACBs and mapped measures serve different purposes. An opportunity alone does not award a strategic-significance uplift. | Published LNRS map, actual parcel, habitat action, current metric, relevant Central BOM if applicable |
| 4. Is a local BNG Statement still required if exempt? | Central Lincolnshire may request a Biodiversity Gain Statement from all applications, including statutory BNG-exempt ones. | Current local form and relevant authority's updated validation list |
| 5. Do the Wash or South Humber bird habitats create a separate mitigation duty? | BNG habitat units do not establish compliance with the Habitats Regulations, protected coastal sites or NELC Policy 9. | Site/designation/impact pathway, ecological survey, separate HRA and mitigation strategy if applicable |
| 6. How can habitat gains be secured and maintained? | Major/non-major hierarchy, habitat trading, registered offsite units and minimum 30-year management may influence the scheme. | Statutory metric, outline design/HMMP, legal security and gain site register where relevant |
Local planning guidance
The Greater Lincolnshire Local Nature Recovery Strategy
The Greater Lincolnshire Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) was published in July 2026. Lincolnshire County Council is the responsible authority, working with North Lincolnshire Council, North East Lincolnshire Council and the Greater Lincolnshire Nature Partnership.
The strategy covers the wider Greater Lincolnshire area, including both northern unitary authorities. It identifies important existing habitats and opportunities to restore and connect nature across the landscape.
Its priorities are relevant to coastal wetlands, fenland water systems, farmland, grassland, woodland, hedgerows and urban green space.
Official links: Greater Lincolnshire LNRS and Local Habitat Map.
What does the Local Habitat Map show?
The map distinguishes existing important biodiversity areas from places where nature recovery may be improved:
- Areas of Particular Importance for Biodiversity (APIBs) identify established important habitats and relevant protected or locally recognised sites.
- Areas that Could Become of Particular Importance for Biodiversity (ACBs) identify suitable opportunities for nature recovery.
- Mapped potential measures indicate habitat creation, restoration or management actions that could help meet the strategy's priorities.
The published strategy offers multiple measures across Greater Lincolnshire. However, an opportunity area is not a field survey, a new planning permission or a registered offsite biodiversity gain site.
The relevant habitat type, proposed action and mapped location must align with current statutory metric criteria before a strategic-significance factor is applied.
Does LNRS mapping automatically increase BNG units?
No. A property within a mapped recovery opportunity does not automatically receive additional units. An ecologist should document the eligible potential measure and location, then check the metric rules.
The map also does not impose a particular planting scheme on every landowner. It informs planning and land management decisions alongside other evidence.
In Central Lincolnshire, older Biodiversity Opportunity Mapping (BOM) remains relevant alongside the LNRS. Some site applications may need additional evidence where they fall within mapped opportunity areas.
Official reference: Central Lincolnshire BNG supporting documents.
Local planning guidance
Is your Lincolnshire planning application exempt from statutory BNG?
Statutory BNG does not apply to every application. The legal test depends on the application category, date, whole red-line boundary and any onsite priority habitat impacts.
For qualifying new planning applications made on or after 6 August 2026, development on a site no larger than 0.2 hectares is exempt where onsite priority habitat is not adversely impacted.
Other exemptions include certain householder development, the separate de minimis impact test and eligible wholly temporary schemes permitted for five years or less.
The former specific self-build and custom-build exemption was removed for new planning applications made on or after 6 August 2026. Earlier applications and some section 73 variations need a transitional review.
An exemption from statutory 10% gain does not automatically remove local ecology information requirements. It also does not remove duties concerning protected species, designated sites, trees or watercourses.
For full legal conditions, see ACP's BNG exemptions guide and the latest government exemptions guidance.
Local planning guidance
Central Lincolnshire: adopted S61 and current BNG validation
The Central Lincolnshire Local Plan was adopted on 13 April 2023. It applies to City of Lincoln, North Kesteven and West Lindsey.
Its main biodiversity policies include S60, Protecting Biodiversity and Geodiversity, and S61, Biodiversity Opportunity and Delivering Measurable Net Gains.
Policy S61 seeks at least 10% measurable BNG for qualifying development. It also encourages habitat creation and enhancement that strengthen ecological networks.
S59, Green Infrastructure Network, provides further context for connected green spaces and multi-functional environmental design.
A locally required Biodiversity Gain Statement
Central Lincolnshire has a particularly important local validation requirement: it requests a Biodiversity Gain Statement for all planning applications, including applications exempt from statutory BNG.
It supplies a version of the form for applications made on or after 6 August 2026. The council may also request additional ecological information for some sites within its Biodiversity Opportunity Mapping or the published LNRS.
However, a local statement on an exempt application is not the same as imposing the statutory 10% gain condition on that application. The statement helps the authority understand the ecological position and its other planning duties.
The councils also publish guidance on monitoring fees and long-term legal management for significant habitat gains. The applicable costs and requirements depend on the actual scheme.
Official source: Central Lincolnshire BNG supporting documents, forms and fees.
Has Central Lincolnshire adopted another plan in 2026?
No. A new Local Plan review began formally in October 2026. Its scoping consultation is currently listed as running until 17 December 2026.
That consultation is early plan-making, not an adopted replacement. The 2023 plan remains operative.
The three councils also need their current application validation lists checked individually. West Lindsey adopted an updated local list in August 2026, whereas other webpages refer to the previously adopted lists pending their own updates.
Official links: Central Lincolnshire adopted plan and new review.
Local planning guidance
Boston and South Holland: the South East Lincolnshire Local Plan
Boston Borough Council and South Holland District Council share the South East Lincolnshire Local Plan 2011–2036, adopted on 8 March 2019.
The principal nature conservation provision is Policy 28, The Natural Environment. It safeguards important sites and seeks to improve ecological networks and biodiversity through development.
This plan can influence habitat retention, landscape design and protection of the coastal environment. It applies alongside the current statutory BNG framework, not instead of it.
Both councils publish BNG and validation guidance. Their webpages include the national baseline information, statutory metric and later formal Biodiversity Gain Plan.
Check the current national exemption rules against your application date and proposed works.
A replacement South East Lincolnshire plan was discussed in May 2026 under the new plan-making arrangements. It remains at an early stage and is not adopted.
Official links: South Holland planning policy, Boston BNG guidance and South Holland local validation list.
Local planning guidance
East Lindsey: adopted SP24 and the coastal landscape
East Lindsey's Local Plan was adopted in July 2018. Its relevant policies include SP24, Biodiversity and Geodiversity, SP23, Landscape, and SP25, Green Infrastructure.
The district includes inland villages, the Lincolnshire Wolds and sensitive coastal environments near Skegness, Mablethorpe and Gibraltar Point.
For example, a development affecting coastal habitats or a watercourse may need additional ecological and flood-risk evidence beyond its headline BNG calculation.
The council began work towards a replacement Local Plan in 2026, while the 2018 adopted policies remain the starting point for applications.
Source: South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership biodiversity report 2026 and East Lindsey Local Plan process.
Local planning guidance
South Kesteven: adopted EN2 and EN3, not the withdrawn draft
South Kesteven District Council adopted its Local Plan 2011–2036 on 31 January 2020.
Its Policy EN2, Protecting Biodiversity and Geodiversity, supports the conservation and enhancement of wildlife sites and ecological networks.
EN3, Green Infrastructure, seeks connected and useful green space within and around new development.
A draft review published in earlier years proposed more detailed biodiversity gain requirements. However, the council ceased that review on 21 July 2026 and moved to the newer local plan-making system.
Therefore, the former draft's additional BNG policy must not be presented as adopted. The 2020 plan and current national statutory rules remain the starting point.
Official source: South Kesteven Local Plan Review and status.
Local planning guidance
North Lincolnshire: CS17 and a new plan still in preparation
North Lincolnshire Council is a separate unitary planning authority for areas including Scunthorpe, Brigg and Barton-upon-Humber.
Its current framework includes saved provisions from the 2003 Local Plan, the 2011 Core Strategy and later development-plan documents.
Core Strategy Policy CS17, Biodiversity, supports the protection of habitats and ecological networks. The council has published an updated schedule of saved policies to identify which older provisions remain in force.
The new North Lincolnshire Local Plan to 2045 is being prepared under the 2026 plan-making system. Its scoping consultation ran in August and September 2026.
The first gateway summary is scheduled for 30 November 2026. That future milestone does not mean the replacement plan is already adopted.
Official sources: North Lincolnshire planning policy and new Local Plan portal.
Local planning guidance
North East Lincolnshire: Policy 41 and South Humber Bank mitigation
North East Lincolnshire Council is also a separate unitary planning authority. Its adopted 2018 Local Plan includes Policy 41, Biodiversity and Geodiversity, and Policy 40, Developing a Green Infrastructure Network.
The council's Policy 9, Habitat Mitigation – South Humber Bank, addresses a different issue: protecting bird habitats associated with the internationally important Humber Estuary.
Where development falls within the relevant South Humber Bank mitigation area, additional measures may be needed to prevent harm to protected bird populations and their feeding or roosting habitats.
This mitigation is not interchangeable with statutory BNG units. A scheme may require both the biodiversity gain calculation and separate mitigation for protected-site effects.
The 2026 replacement is not yet adopted
North East Lincolnshire started a Regulation 19 pre-submission consultation on 30 September 2026, which is scheduled to close on 12 November 2026.
The consultation followed a ministerial statutory direction issued on 25 September 2026, after councillors initially voted not to progress the draft.
The direction required the consultation and planned submission to proceed. It did not adopt the draft Local Plan. The council's existing 2018 policies remain the current adopted framework.
Official sources: North East Lincolnshire adopted plan and review and 2026 council consultation.
Local planning guidance
Minerals and waste development: a separate Lincolnshire planning route
Lincolnshire County Council determines qualifying minerals, waste and some county development applications within its jurisdiction.
Its adopted Minerals and Waste Local Plan comprises a 2016 Core Strategy and Development Management Policies document and 2017 Site Locations document.
Proposals such as mineral extraction, landfill and restoration may need careful attention to excavation stages, temporary habitats, hydrology and eventual restoration conditions.
A replacement plan to 2042 went through Regulation 19 consultation from 15 June to 31 July 2026. Its submission for examination was planned for later in 2026.
However, consultation completion does not mean the replacement has been adopted.
North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire handle their own unitary planning functions. The county's adopted minerals and waste plan should not automatically be applied to sites in those unitary areas.
Official source: Lincolnshire County Council minerals and waste planning.
Local planning guidance
Ecology constraints around the Wash, Humber and Lincolnshire Wolds
Lincolnshire's habitats vary from coastal saltmarsh and tidal flats to lowland fens, limestone grassland, farmland hedgerows and ancient woodland.
The Wash includes internationally important wetland habitats, supporting large numbers of migratory and wintering birds. A proposal with a genuine impact pathway may need a Habitats Regulations Assessment separate from BNG.
Gibraltar Point and the coastal dunes and saltmarshes near Skegness are also recognised for important habitats and bird species. The Greater Wash SPA and coastal SAC sites can affect particular proposals depending on their location and effects.
The Humber Estuary supports protected habitats and birds, and certain industrial or employment developments around the South Humber Bank may need the separate Policy 9 mitigation route.
Lincolnshire Wolds National Landscape protects landscape character, but does not form a separate planning authority. Existing grassland, trees and hedgerows may be important for both landscape and ecology.
Fenland drains, river corridors and floodplain habitats can also affect watercourse-unit calculations, drainage designs and long-term habitat management.
These examples help identify what to investigate. They do not establish that any unprovided site contains a protected habitat or needs a particular licence or mitigation payment.
Official examples: Lincolnshire's National Nature Reserves, Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust Gibraltar Point.
Local planning guidance
Is coastal or South Humber mitigation another form of BNG?
No. BNG and protected-site mitigation have different legal purposes.
A biodiversity unit measures habitat gain through the statutory metric. It does not by itself establish that a development has avoided harm to an internationally designated wildlife site.
For example, a North East Lincolnshire development within the South Humber Bank mitigation zone may need protection or replacement of bird feeding and roosting habitat under Policy 9.
A coastal scheme near the Wash may instead require a site-specific Habitats Regulations assessment for effects on protected coastal habitats or birds.
The correct response depends on the application boundary, development, effects and protected-site evidence. Do not assume there is one countywide coastal tariff or nutrient neutrality calculator for every Lincolnshire development.
Also, an LNRS opportunity area is not a BNG habitat bank. Any offsite unit arrangement needs its own statutory registration, legal security and formal allocation.
Local planning guidance
Six steps to prepare a Lincolnshire BNG assessment
1. Confirm the correct council and application date
Identify which of the seven district/city councils or two northern unitaries determines the application. For minerals and waste, confirm the responsible county or unitary authority.
Check the whole red-line boundary, development category and any earlier permission or section 73 variation.
2. Test exemptions and separate ecology constraints
Apply the current August 2026 BNG exemption conditions and document any claimed route. Then check habitats, protected sites, species, trees and possible coastal or Humber mitigation.
3. Survey existing habitats
Arrange proportionate UKHab mapping and condition assessments where required. Include hedgerow and watercourse information, and review whether priority or irreplaceable habitats are present.
4. Use the metric and Greater Lincolnshire LNRS
Apply an eligible statutory biodiversity metric. The latest published tool is version 1.1.0, updated in November 2026, although older published statutory versions remain usable.
Check the actual LNRS potential measures before applying strategic significance. Central Lincolnshire Biodiversity Opportunity Mapping may also need consideration.
5. Test realistic onsite and offsite options
Avoid unnecessary habitat loss, then compare feasible retention, habitat enhancement and creation. Where appropriate, test the registered offsite route against habitat trading and spatial rules.
6. Prepare the Gain Plan and habitat management
The formal Biodiversity Gain Plan is normally approved after permission and before development starts.
Significant onsite and registered offsite gains usually need appropriate legal security and management for at least 30 years.
See ACP's Biodiversity Gain Plan guidance and Habitat Management and Monitoring Plans.
Local planning guidance
Onsite habitats, registered offsite units and the gain hierarchy
The statutory gain hierarchy helps project teams decide which delivery options are appropriate.
For major development, avoiding adverse effects and providing suitable onsite improvements generally have priority before registered offsite units. Statutory biodiversity credits remain the last option.
For qualifying non-major applications made on or after 6 August 2026, onsite creation, onsite enhancement and registered offsite delivery have equal priority under the revised statutory hierarchy. Credits remain last.
Earlier applications may follow different saved rules. Furthermore, the site still needs to comply with other adopted ecological planning requirements.
Offsite units must be suitable for the habitat type and metric trading rules. They also require legal security, registration and formal allocation.
A promoted habitat bank, proposed mineral-restoration site or mapped LNRS action is not proof that available units can be purchased.
For full details, see ACP's offsite biodiversity units guidance and the government biodiversity gain sites register.
Local planning guidance
Lincolnshire BNG application checklist
Unsure what Lincolnshire BNG evidence your application needs?
Share your site location, proposed works, plans and existing ecology reports. ACP can help identify proportionate habitat, metric and planning evidence.
Local planning guidance
How ACP Consultants can help
A useful BNG assessment should inform development design and the planning programme, not simply produce a percentage.
ACP can help scope the habitat baseline, interpret biodiversity metric requirements and assess practical onsite or registered offsite habitat options.
Where protected wetlands, the Humber Estuary, mature trees or sensitive grasslands affect a site, the work should also address the separate ecological evidence required.
The assessment scope should reflect the actual proposal, planning authority and stage. Not every Lincolnshire development needs the same reports.
For a fuller process overview, see ACP's BNG process guide and BNG consultancy services.
Local planning guidance
Frequently asked questions about BNG in Lincolnshire
Is statutory BNG required for every Lincolnshire planning application?
No. Statutory BNG generally applies to qualifying applications, but exemptions and transitional rules exist. The application category, date, red-line area and habitat impacts all matter.
Which council decides my Lincolnshire BNG application?
Most ordinary proposals go to one of Lincolnshire's seven city or district authorities, or the separate North Lincolnshire or North East Lincolnshire unitary council. County minerals and waste projects follow different arrangements.
Is there one Local Nature Recovery Strategy for all Greater Lincolnshire?
Yes. The Greater Lincolnshire LNRS was published in July 2026. It covers Lincolnshire County Council, North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire areas, even though they retain different adopted Local Plans.
Does Central Lincolnshire's S61 policy require 20% BNG?
No. Its adopted 2023 Policy S61 requires at least 10% measurable BNG for qualifying development. Other environmental and site-specific duties still need consideration.
Do I need a Biodiversity Gain Statement even if my Central Lincolnshire proposal is exempt?
The Central Lincolnshire planning authorities' local guidance requests a Biodiversity Gain Statement for all applications, including those exempt from statutory BNG. That local information requirement does not automatically impose the statutory 10% condition.
Is a development of 0.2 hectares or less exempt?
For qualifying applications made on or after 6 August 2026, a whole red-line site no larger than 0.2 hectares can be exempt if onsite priority habitat is not adversely impacted. Earlier applications and some variations follow different rules.
Is a self-build home automatically exempt from BNG?
No. The former specific self-build/custom-build exemption was removed for new applications from 6 August 2026. Another exemption may be available if its own legal criteria are met.
Does the shared LNRS map automatically give extra biodiversity units?
No. The planned habitat action must match an eligible mapped measure, site location and current statutory metric criteria. An opportunity polygon by itself does not award units.
Does South Kesteven use the Central Lincolnshire Local Plan?
No. South Kesteven has its own adopted 2020 Local Plan, including EN2 biodiversity and EN3 green infrastructure. The older review was stopped in July 2026; a new plan is being prepared.
Is North East Lincolnshire's new 2026 Local Plan already adopted?
No. Regulation 19 consultation is scheduled to close on 12 November 2026. Its existing 2018 Local Plan, including Policy 41 and the South Humber Bank Policy 9, remains the adopted starting point.
Can I use BNG units instead of South Humber Bank habitat mitigation?
Not automatically. South Humber Bank Policy 9 addresses effects on protected Humber Estuary bird habitat. The statutory BNG metric measures biodiversity gains. Both may apply to a development and need separate evidence.
What should I send ACP for a Lincolnshire BNG quotation?
Provide the site location or red-line plan, description of proposed works, latest drawings, application stage and available ecology reports. Details of the correct council and coastal or Humber constraints help define the scope.
Local planning guidance
Discuss biodiversity net gain for your Lincolnshire development
If you are preparing a planning application or reviewing habitat survey results, the first step is to establish what your specific site needs.
Tell ACP about your Lincolnshire project. We can help clarify the likely biodiversity assessment, ecological constraints and planning evidence.
Talk to ACP / Site enquiries
What does your site need next?
Tell us where the site is, what you plan to build and how far the application has progressed. We’ll use that context to discuss the surveys, calculations or plans your project needs.
What to have to handA red-line plan, an existing ecology report or a request from the council can help us scope the work. Start with whatever you already have.
Request a site-specific quotation
Start with the information you have. We ask for your email, site location and enquiry, with a telephone number at the final step.
We use your details to respond to your enquiry. Read our Privacy Policy.
Lincolnshire BNG
Sources and references
Reviewed 8 November 2026.
Official planning and nature recovery sources
- GOV.UK biodiversity net gain
- GOV.UK BNG exemptions
- Statutory biodiversity metric tools
- Greater Lincolnshire LNRS
- Local Habitat Map
- Central Lincolnshire adopted Local Plan
- Central Lincolnshire BNG application forms and guidance
- South East Lincolnshire planning policy
- East Lindsey biodiversity policy evidence
- South Kesteven Local Plan status
- North Lincolnshire new Local Plan
- North East Lincolnshire Local Plan review
- Lincolnshire County minerals and waste
- Lincolnshire National Nature Reserves
- Government biodiversity gain sites register