Brighton and Hove BNG advice
Biodiversity Net Gain in Brighton and Hove
Plan your Brighton and Hove development around local habitats, planning requirements and practical biodiversity gains.
ACP Consultants can help with habitat surveys, biodiversity metric calculations and a practical BNG delivery plan for your Brighton and Hove site.
Local requirements
Brighton and Hove BNG requirements at a glance
| Check | Practical answer |
|---|---|
| Planning authority | Brighton & Hove City Council — verify the actual parcel, any special planning jurisdiction and site type |
| Adopted development plan | Brighton & Hove City Plan Part One adopted 2016 and City Plan Part Two adopted 2022 |
| Specific biodiversity policies | CP10 – Biodiversity; DM37 – Green Infrastructure and Nature Conservation; SPD11 |
| Emerging plan status | The council is reviewing its City Plan. Emerging or consultation policies must be distinguished from the adopted 2016 and 2022 parts; no new adopted citywide replacement was verified as of 10 November 2026. |
| LNRS | East Sussex and Brighton & Hove Local Nature Recovery Strategy, Published 24 June 2026; East Sussex County Council |
| Statutory BNG | Normally at least 10% for eligible applications; exemption and application date checks are essential |
| Protected sites | Independent Habitats Regulations or protected-species evidence where a credible impact pathway exists |
Planning authority and policy
Local planning requirements for Brighton and Hove
Confirm the planning authority
Brighton & Hove is a unitary authority with its own City Plan. For land within the South Downs National Park, check the Park Authority’s planning jurisdiction and any delegated arrangements. East Sussex is the geographic parent for this guide.
See BNG in East Sussex and the South East regional guide.
Use the adopted development plan
City Plan Part One was adopted in 2016 and Part Two in 2022. CP10 addresses biodiversity; DM37 covers green infrastructure and nature conservation. SPD11 explains ecological assessment and design expectations.
The council is reviewing the City Plan. Use the adopted parts and current national policy for the application, with the correct weight given to any emerging policies.
Establish the gain target
Eligible development normally needs at least 10% statutory gain. Establish the applicable target using current national policy, any relevant site-allocation policy and existing permission.
Plan habitat retention, suitable enhancement and long-term management alongside the site layout. Check the national biodiversity planning policies when establishing obligations.
Check dates and exemptions
For applications from 6 August 2026, sites up to 0.2 hectares may qualify for an exemption if no onsite priority habitat is adversely affected.
Householder, de minimis, temporary-development and transitional rules have their own conditions. Record the application date, site area and supporting habitat evidence.
Use the BNG exemptions guide to identify the relevant route.
Nature recovery and local geography
Local habitats and nature recovery in Brighton and Hove
Use the local nature recovery map
The published East Sussex and Brighton & Hove Local Nature Recovery Strategy provides priorities and mapped opportunities for habitat recovery. It was published in June 2026.
For Brighton and Hove, consider urban gardens and roofs, downland chalk grassland, coastal edges, greenways and valleys. Match the actual site location and proposed habitat to a relevant recovery measure.
Local habitats to consider in Brighton and Hove
Use the landscape context to scope the survey, then record the habitats actually present within the site boundary.
| Local setting | Potential habitat or evidence issue |
|---|---|
| Brighton urban neighbourhoods | Green roofs, gardens, street trees, hedgerows and brownfield features can provide meaningful baseline habitat and habitat connectivity. |
| South Downs chalk landscape | Calcareous grassland, scrub mosaics, chalk slopes and species-rich verges, with National Park planning jurisdiction where mapped. |
| Shoreline and marina/coastal edges | Coastal habitats and bird interests, with marine and terrestrial planning distinctions. |
| City greenways and valleys | Green corridors, parks, allotments and steep valley routes can link urban green infrastructure with surrounding downland. |
Plan protected-site and species evidence
Check the South Downs National Park boundary and relevant chalk-grassland or protected-site interests before scoping a downland proposal. Coastal or marina projects can raise different terrestrial and marine ecology questions.
Urban plots also need evidence: trees, hedges, roof habitats and planted boundaries can contribute to the baseline. Identify effects on protected species and connected habitats alongside the metric calculation.
Planning and delivery
Preparing evidence and delivering biodiversity gain
Prepare the habitat baseline and metric
Start with the site’s habitat baseline and condition. Use the appropriate statutory metric; the Small Sites Metric is suitable only where its eligibility conditions are met.
In Brighton and Hove, survey urban gardens and roofs, downland chalk grassland, coastal edges, greenways and valleys where these occur within or affect the proposal. Record the actual habitat condition and relevant watercourse evidence.
See BNG assessments and habitat surveys, habitat condition assessment and Small Sites Metric assessments.
Prepare the planning submission
Confirm the planning authority, application date, relevant policies and whether statutory BNG applies. Then agree a proportionate submission scope with the council.
- An applicability or exemption explanation supported by site evidence.
- The red-line boundary, baseline habitat plan and metric where required.
- Proposed layout, retained habitats and feasible habitat gains.
- Any protected-species, watercourse, drainage or Habitats Regulations evidence.
Test the layout against local habitat constraints
Retain sensitive habitats and useful connections where possible. Use these questions to compare realistic layout and habitat options.
| Local setting to test | Useful design and survey question |
|---|---|
| Brighton urban neighbourhoods | Can the proposal avoid impacts? Green roofs, gardens, street trees, hedgerows and brownfield features can provide meaningful baseline habitat and habitat connectivity. |
| South Downs chalk landscape | What would retaining or improving connectivity involve? Calcareous grassland, scrub mosaics, chalk slopes and species-rich verges, with National Park planning jurisdiction where mapped. |
| Shoreline and marina/coastal edges | Do the existing habitats or species interests restrict the proposed gain type? Coastal habitats and bird interests, with marine and terrestrial planning distinctions. |
| City greenways and valleys | Can the layout integrate useful green infrastructure? Green corridors, parks, allotments and steep valley routes can link urban green infrastructure with surrounding downland. |
Choose habitats suited to the site and its long-term management. Match nature recovery measures to the published LNRS map, then calculate all relevant unit categories.
Development and regeneration context
City Plan policies CP10 and DM37 connect biodiversity with green infrastructure. For urban infill, roof design, planted boundaries and retained trees can be useful options where they suit the site. Confirm their metric treatment and management needs before relying on them.
A practical Brighton and Hove planning example
The council’s public report for 1 Barrack Yard (BH2025/02689) discusses habitat assessment, the statutory Biodiversity Gain Plan and separate planning conditions. It provides a useful example of the different evidence stages: baseline calculation, gain-plan approval and other ecological controls.
Plan off-site delivery and long-term management
Calculate the genuine shortfall before committing to off-site units. Apply the relevant gain hierarchy, habitat trading rules and location requirements to the proposed delivery route.
Use the East Sussex and Brighton & Hove Local Nature Recovery Strategy to explore habitat opportunities. Confirm registration, suitable units and current availability directly with the proposed supplier.
Read about off-site biodiversity units, Biodiversity Gain Plans and Habitat Management and Monitoring Plans.
Council and delivery costs
What should your Brighton and Hove BNG budget cover?
Budget for habitat surveys, metric calculations, planning reports and any gain-plan or management work. The scope depends on the site, habitat types and planning stage.
Include any protected-species work, coastal assessment or specialist design needed for the proposal. Roof habitats and constrained urban plots may require coordinated ecology, drainage and structural design.
Planning evidence
Brighton and Hove BNG preparation checklist
Free resource: Use the local BNG planning evidence route worksheet. It provides a light, accessible reference to official documents and the difference between BNG and separate ecological duties.
Planning evidence worksheet
Find your Brighton and Hove planning and evidence route
Use these questions to identify the planning documents, habitat evidence and delivery information relevant to your site.
Open the question relevant to your project
Which planning authority and adopted plan?
Adopted framework: Brighton & Hove City Plan Part One adopted 2016 and City Plan Part Two adopted 2022. Policies: CP10 – Biodiversity; DM37 – Green Infrastructure and Nature Conservation; SPD11.
Check the red-line boundary, current local list and official policies map. The county parent is Biodiversity Net Gain in East Sussex.
Is a new Local Plan or higher BNG target already operative?
The council is reviewing its City Plan. Emerging or consultation policies must be distinguished from the adopted 2016 and 2022 parts; no new adopted citywide replacement was verified as of 10 November 2026.
The current national 10% requirement applies to eligible development, subject to exemptions. An emerging percentage must not be presented as an adopted obligation.
Which published LNRS and map apply?
East Sussex and Brighton & Hove Local Nature Recovery Strategy — Published 24 June 2026. Responsible authority: East Sussex County Council.
Match the site to an actual mapped measure and suitable habitat. Record the mapped recovery measure and survey evidence supporting the metric entry.
Could my application qualify for a 2026 BNG exemption?
For applications from 6 August 2026, a red-line site up to 0.2 hectares may qualify if no onsite priority habitat is adversely affected. Other householder, de minimis, temporary and transitional categories have distinct conditions.
What separate habitat or designated-site issue matters here?
The South Downs National Park, chalk grassland and coastal protected features require site-specific assessment. The UNESCO Living Coast designation is not itself a substitute for statutory SAC/SPA/SSSI checks. Brighton's garden/built environment can also support bats, nesting birds and other protected species.
Coordinate any Habitats Regulations, protected-species and water-quality evidence with the BNG work.
When do I need a gain plan and habitat management?
Planning-stage documents depend on the current council validation list and proposal type. The final statutory gain plan is normally approved after permission and before commencement. Significant habitat gains may need at least 30 years of secured management and monitoring.
Details to gather before an enquiry
Sources reviewed: 10 November 2026
Project support
How ACP can help with your Brighton and Hove project
ACP can help scope the habitat surveys, metric calculations and planning reports needed for your Brighton and Hove proposal. Early advice is most useful while the layout can still change.
We can consider urban gardens and roofs, downland chalk grassland, coastal edges, greenways and valleys alongside the site’s planning route and proposed works.
Local planning questions
Frequently asked questions about BNG in Brighton and Hove
For a site-specific question, discuss your project with ACP.
Does Brighton and Hove use East Sussex County Council's Local Plan?
No. Brighton & Hove is a unitary local planning authority with City Plan parts adopted in 2016 and 2022. It shares an LNRS with East Sussex, but not the county's district Local Plans.
What do CP10 and DM37 require?
They address biodiversity conservation and green infrastructure in development. They work alongside the national statutory BNG rules and the council's SPD11.
Does the published Sussex LNRS cover Brighton?
Yes. The East Sussex and Brighton & Hove LNRS, led by East Sussex County Council, was published in June 2026.
Can an urban site with no grass need a habitat assessment?
Potentially. Urban sites may contain trees, hedges, planted boundaries, gardens or other habitat. The correct national exemption and local planning position depend on evidence, not an assumption that all brownfield land is zero value.
Which habitat surveys might a site in Brighton and Hove need?
Scope the assessment around the habitats and proposed effects. In Brighton and Hove, relevant settings include urban gardens and roofs, downland chalk grassland, coastal edges, greenways and valleys. The red-line plan, habitat condition and any water or species pathways determine the survey work.
How should I use the local nature recovery map?
Use the published map to match the site and proposed habitat to a recovery measure. Survey evidence and feasible management then support the design and metric calculation. Confirm the planning authority separately, including any National Park jurisdiction.
How do BNG exemptions work for a small Brighton and Hove development?
Since 6 August 2026, a red-line site of 0.2 hectares or less may qualify for exemption if the statutory conditions are satisfied, including no adverse effect on onsite priority habitat. Other ecological duties may remain.
How can habitat retention help with BNG in Brighton and Hove?
Retain valuable habitats and connections where feasible, and test how the layout affects them. If a genuine shortfall remains, use the applicable gain hierarchy and habitat trading rules to select a suitable delivery route.
When is the final gain plan needed for Brighton & Hove City Council?
For eligible ordinary applications the final statutory Biodiversity Gain Plan normally needs approval after planning permission and before commencement. Check what the council asks for during validation and whether a management plan is needed.
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
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Brighton and Hove BNG
Sources and references
Reviewed 10 November 2026.
Official planning and nature recovery sources
- Current GOV.UK exemption guidance
- East Sussex and Brighton LNRS
- Appropriate assessment guidance
- Biodiversity Nature Conservation SPD11
- City Plan part status
- Council 1 Barrack Yard planning report
- East Sussex responsible authority
- Sussex LNRS announcement
- GOV.UK's BNG guidance
- statutory biodiversity metric downloads
- National Planning Policy Framework: biodiversity policies N1 and N2