Tyne and Wear BNG advice
Biodiversity Net Gain in Tyne and Wear
Plan your Tyne and Wear development around its habitats, local planning policies and biodiversity net gain requirements.
ACP Consultants can help with habitat surveys, biodiversity metric calculations and a practical BNG delivery plan for your Tyne and Wear site.
Local planning guidance
Is 10% Biodiversity Net Gain mandatory in Tyne and Wear?
The national statutory BNG condition normally requires qualifying planning applications in England to achieve at least 10% biodiversity gain. This includes eligible developments across Tyne and Wear.
However, the law changed on 6 August 2026. For new planning applications made from that date, a development with a complete red-line area of 0.2 hectares or less can be exempt if no onsite priority habitat is affected. Certain wholly temporary developments lasting up to five years may also qualify.
The dedicated self-build and custom-build exemption was removed for new applications from that date. Householder, de minimis and earlier-permission/section 73 provisions have separate tests.
A low dwelling count or a small building footprint is not enough to establish an exemption. Check the actual boundary, planning application date and habitats affected.
Even where statutory BNG does not apply, bats, breeding birds, coastal designated sites, ancient woodland and watercourses may still need assessment.
Use our BNG exemptions guide and current national planning guidance to understand the correct legal route.
Local planning guidance
Which council and nature-recovery map apply to your development?
| Planning authority | Operative development plan as at 8 November 2026 | Published LNRS area and current distinction |
|---|---|---|
| Newcastle upon Tyne City Council | Adopted 2015 joint Core Strategy/Urban Core Plan with Gateshead, plus Development and Allocations Plan adopted 24 June 2020. | North of Tyne LNRS, published March 2026. New joint NewcastleGateshead plan started during 2026 but is not adopted. |
| Gateshead Council | Adopted 2015 joint Core Strategy/Urban Core Plan plus Making Spaces for Growing Places adopted 1 February 2021. | South of Tyne and Wear LNRS, published September 2026. Gateshead is its responsible authority. |
| North Tyneside Council | North Tyneside Local Plan adopted 20 July 2017, including biodiversity/wildlife-corridor policies. | North of Tyne LNRS. Replacement Local Plan Regulation 19 consultation 28 September–12 November 2026, not adopted. |
| South Tyneside Council | NEW South Tyneside Local Plan 2023–2040 adopted July 2026, including Policy 35 Delivering Biodiversity Net Gain. | South of Tyne and Wear LNRS. Older South Tyneside Core Strategy and Development Management policies were superseded where replaced. |
| Sunderland City Council | Core Strategy and Development Plan 2015–2033 adopted 30 January 2020, plus relevant saved UDP and joint IAMP AAP policies. | South of Tyne and Wear LNRS. The old draft Allocations and Designations Plan was revoked September 2023. |
North East Combined Authority is not the normal decision-maker for a local housing application. It leads the North of Tyne LNRS; Gateshead leads the separate South of Tyne and Wear LNRS.
Confirm the full site boundary before selecting the Local Plan, ecological surveys and the correct Local Habitat Map.
For broader coverage see BNG in North East England.
Local evidence worksheet
Original ACP Tyne and Wear planning worksheet
Seven checks before submitting Tyne and Wear biodiversity evidence
Use these site checks to identify the correct local council, nature-recovery map and statutory supporting evidence. The worksheet cannot determine legal exemption or calculate biodiversity units.
| Check | What to record | Decision supported |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Identify the planning authority | Newcastle, Gateshead, North Tyneside, South Tyneside or Sunderland, plus actual site red-line boundary | Select operative Local Plan, adopted ecology policies and relevant current local validation list |
| 2. Check current national BNG status | Application submission date, site hectares, impacted onsite priority habitat, major/non-major category and any section 73 history | Assess the conditional August 2026 exemption and statutory gain hierarchy |
| 3. Choose the correct published LNRS | North of Tyne for Newcastle/North Tyneside; South of Tyne and Wear for Gateshead/South Tyneside/Sunderland | Review the correct Local Habitat Map and actual potential habitat measure |
| 4. Survey existing habitat | UKHab baseline parcels, condition, trees, hedgerows, coastline, watercourses, photographs and protected species | Determine appropriate habitat-area, hedgerow and watercourse metric inputs |
| 5. Consider coastal and other protected sites | Northumbria Coast SPA/Ramsar, Durham Coast SAC, SSSI, bird disturbance, hydrological and water-quality pathways | Identify whether separate Habitats Regulations or species evidence is needed, beyond BNG |
| 6. Assess genuine gain delivery | Feasible onsite habitat, registered offsite type/availability, habitat trading, spatial risk, and South Tyneside Policy35 geographic hierarchy where relevant | Test ecologically suitable legal gains without assuming unit availability or local-policy override of national law |
| 7. Plan management and submission stage | National application evidence, council local-list documents, land manager, gain plan, HMMP and legal monitoring period | Prepare deliverable post-permission gains and required management information |
Which plan and LNRS should you check?
| Planning area | Operative adopted Local Plan | LNRS and notable policy distinction |
|---|---|---|
| Newcastle | Joint 2015 Gateshead/Newcastle Core Strategy plus Newcastle 2020 DAP | North of Tyne LNRS, published March 2026; new joint plan still preparation |
| Gateshead | Joint 2015 Gateshead/Newcastle Core Strategy plus 2021 MSGP37 | South of Tyne and Wear LNRS, published September 2026; Gateshead responsible authority |
| North Tyneside | Local Plan 2017 S5.4 and DM5.5–DM5.7 | North of Tyne LNRS; replacement Regulation 19 closes 12 November 2026 |
| South Tyneside | NEW Local Plan 2023–2040 adopted July 2026 | South of Tyne and Wear LNRS; adopted Policy35 has local offsite-location preference |
| Sunderland | 2020 Core Strategy/Development Plan NE2 plus applicable saved UDP and IAMP AAP | South of Tyne and Wear LNRS; 2020 draft A&D Plan was revoked in 2023 |
Important: An LNRS mapped opportunity is not a guaranteed metric uplift, and 10% BNG does not itself resolve harm to a protected SPA, Ramsar or SAC.
North of Tyne LNRS · South of Tyne and Wear NaturePlan · National BNG rules · Discuss the site with ACP
Original ACP scoping worksheet, evidence reviewed 8 November 2026. Government and council policies/maps remain with their official publishers. No copyrighted LNRS mapping or third-party photo has been copied into this asset.
Local planning guidance
Why do Newcastle and Gateshead share part of their adopted planning policies?
Newcastle City Council and Gateshead Council adopted the Core Strategy and Urban Core Plan 2010–2030 in March 2015. It remains part of both councils' development plans.
Policy CS18 Green Infrastructure and the Natural Environment helps protect and strengthen ecological networks, biodiversity and green infrastructure.
The councils then adopted different Part 3 plans. Newcastle adopted its Development and Allocations Plan in 2020, while Gateshead adopted Making Spaces for Growing Places in 2021. These documents should not be swapped between authorities.
The councils published a joint Local Plan review in March 2025, identifying policies that need updating while confirming that existing documents remain the starting point.
They began preparing a NEW NewcastleGateshead Local Plan on 30 June 2026, with scoping consultation from 1–29 July 2026. The updated joint timetable was issued 30 October 2026, but no replacement had been adopted.
Consequently, a current project needs the joint adopted core policy and the correct council-specific adopted development management plan, not the early 2026 consultation text.
Newcastle adopted Local Plan and policies · Emerging NewcastleGateshead Local Plan.
Local planning guidance
What BNG information does Newcastle City Council expect?
Newcastle's Development and Allocations Plan 2015–2030 was adopted 24 June 2020. It sits alongside the joint Core Strategy and relevant neighbourhood plans.
Newcastle's published Tyneside Validation Checklist and dedicated BNG guidance describe national baseline information and additional local ecological evidence.
For in-scope development, the council can require a BNG Assessment and Report, the completed statutory metric, existing habitat information and a clear explanation of how the gain is intended to be delivered.
Newcastle's guidance also addresses the gain hierarchy, possible significant onsite habitat legal obligations, and habitat assessment by a suitably competent professional.
However, some of the council's 2024-era wording predates the August 2026 statutory exemptions. A newer national exemption should not be cancelled merely because an older local list contains broader wording.
Land near the Tyne, Ouseburn, important green corridors or the coast may need extra habitat, tree, species, river or designated-site evidence.
Newcastle BNG planning guidance · Newcastle planning validation.
Local planning guidance
What are Gateshead's current biodiversity policies?
Gateshead adopted Making Spaces for Growing Places (MSGP) on 1 February 2021, providing its detailed development management policies and site allocations.
MSGP37 Biodiversity and Geodiversity works alongside the adopted joint Core Strategy CS18. Other policies include MSGP32 green infrastructure, MSGP36 woodland, trees and hedgerows and relevant landscape/water provisions.
These policies support habitat protection, ecological networks and appropriate enhancement. They remain current even though Gateshead is preparing a new joint plan with Newcastle.
A July 2026 council planning example
At its 15 July 2026 Planning and Development Committee, Gateshead refused a proposed two-dwelling replacement development in Whickham. The published minutes cited insufficient evidence that the proposal could provide BNG without unacceptable harm to semi-natural habitats, alongside other planning reasons.
Another application was refused where the council lacked a BNG Assessment and statutory metric. These are public planning committee findings, not evidence of ACP involvement or a completed BNG project.
They illustrate the importance of early habitat survey, credible design and proportionate application information.
Official Gateshead July 2026 committee records](https://democracy.gateshead.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=134&MId=4334&Ver=4)
Local planning guidance
Does North Tyneside have a new adopted Local Plan?
No. North Tyneside's operative Local Plan was adopted 20 July 2017. Its environmental policies include S5.4 and DM5.5–DM5.7, covering the natural environment, international sites and wildlife corridors.
The council's 2026 replacement Local Plan Publication Draft entered Regulation 19 consultation on 28 September 2026. Representations remain open until 11:59 pm on Thursday 12 November 2026.
The proposed replacement is expected to progress to an independent examination after submission. The council's September report anticipated a later adoption stage in 2028, not November 2026.
For a current application, use the 2017 adopted plan, relevant North Tyneside validation requirements, the published North of Tyne LNRS and the current national BNG law.
North Tyneside's coastal development may also need consideration of Northumbria Coast SPA/Ramsar, beaches, dunes, rocky foreshore and sensitive birds.
North Tyneside 2026 Local Plan consultation · North Tyneside adopted 2017 Local Plan.
Local planning guidance
What does South Tyneside's adopted Local Plan require?
South Tyneside adopted its Local Plan 2023–2040 in July 2026. This is a replacement development plan, not merely a Regulation 19 draft.
Its environmental policies include:
| Adopted South Tyneside policy | Purpose for a development |
|---|---|
| SP21 Natural Environment | Protect and enhance biodiversity, habitats, ecological networks and nature-based approaches. |
| Policy 33 Biodiversity, Geodiversity and Ecological Networks | Apply the mitigation hierarchy, protect habitats/species and address residual harm. |
| Policy 35 Delivering Biodiversity Net Gain | Secure statutory BNG and apply a council locational preference when choosing registered offsite gains. |
| Policy 36 Protecting Trees, Woodland and Hedgerows | Retain existing vegetation, avoid harm and provide appropriate tree/hedgerow evidence. |
Policy 35: a specific local preference for offsite gains
South Tyneside encourages appropriate gains within its strategic nature-recovery network first, then other South Tyneside locations, followed by other suitable areas of the South of Tyne and Wear LNRS, neighbouring LNRS areas and finally other relevant landscapes.
Applicants relying on registered offsite gains may need to explain reasonable efforts to secure suitable locations higher in the policy preference order.
Important: The policy must be read alongside the 6 August 2026 national changes, which treat eligible non-major onsite and registered offsite gains at the same level of preference. A local preference for geography does not override the statutory development-type gain hierarchy or create an extra blanket 20% target.
South Tyneside's adopted plan also continues to include the International Advanced Manufacturing Park (IAMP) Area Action Plan, jointly prepared with Sunderland, and any made neighbourhood plans where relevant.
Local planning guidance
Which Sunderland biodiversity policies are in force?
Sunderland adopted its Core Strategy and Development Plan 2015–2033 on 30 January 2020. It remains the operative main plan, alongside retained Unitary Development Plan policies and the joint IAMP Area Action Plan where applicable.
Policy NE2 Biodiversity and Geodiversity promotes biodiversity improvements, the mitigation hierarchy, designated habitat protection and ecological networks. NE1 Green and Blue Infrastructure and NE3 Woodlands, Hedgerows and Trees can also be relevant.
Sunderland's old Allocations and Designations Plan was revoked
An earlier draft Allocations and Designations Plan was consulted on in 2020 but was formally revoked in September 2023. It has not become an adopted second development plan.
The council reviewed its adopted CSDP in December 2024 and found it remained generally effective. It announced work towards a future new Local Plan following national reforms.
A Sunderland proposal, particularly near the River Wear, the coast, former industrial sites or the IAMP, should use the current adopted policy and the actual application validation list.
The council's published Biodiversity and Green Infrastructure page also confirms the South of Tyne and Wear LNRS was adopted September 2026, and provides a council biodiversity-duty report.
Sunderland adopted Core Strategy and Development Plan · Sunderland Biodiversity and Green Infrastructure.
Local planning guidance
Which Tyne and Wear Local Nature Recovery Strategy applies?
There is no single statutory Tyne and Wear-wide LNRS covering all five councils. Two separately published strategies apply:
| Published strategy | Geographic coverage | Responsible authority and publication |
|---|---|---|
| North of Tyne LNRS | Newcastle, North Tyneside and Northumberland | North East Combined Authority, published March 2026. The strategy and official Local Habitat Map include both mapped and unmapped priority measures. |
| South of Tyne and Wear LNRS | Gateshead, South Tyneside and Sunderland | Gateshead Council, formally adopted/published September 2026, confirmed in Defra's 1 October 2026 published-strategies register. |
Although Northumberland shares the North of Tyne LNRS, it is a different planning authority and has its own BNG-122 county research role.
Similarly, the South of Tyne and Wear strategy does not include County Durham's separate LNRS simply because their landscapes are adjacent.
Each strategy identifies existing important habitats, nature recovery priorities and locations for proposed actions. These can support habitat connectivity, grassland, woodland, coastal and riparian restoration.
Check which side of the LNRS boundary contains the development site before evaluating strategic significance in the statutory metric.
North of Tyne published LNRS · South of Tyne and Wear strategy and NaturePlan.
Local planning guidance
Does a mapped recovery area guarantee a biodiversity uplift?
No. The statutory biodiversity metric evaluates strategic significance alongside habitat type, size, condition and delivery risk.
A mapped nature-recovery priority can support a higher score only where the actual habitat creation or enhancement matches the published location-specific measure and the current metric guidance.
| LNRS evidence | Correct interpretation | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Existing protected or important habitat | A site or habitat network may need protection, avoidance or specialist assessment. | Actual mapped designation, condition and any legal constraint. |
| Mapped priority habitat measure | A named action is proposed in a location that may benefit nature recovery. | Whether the proposed habitat and intervention match the action and current metric rules. |
| Unmapped supporting measure | A useful nature recovery action may apply across a wider area. | Do not treat an unmapped action as automatically eligible for a mapped-area High score. |
| Development near the LNRS boundary | Site geography and mapping may be more complicated than an address suggests. | Confirm correct responsible authority and current Local Habitat Map for each affected area. |
| Potential habitat bank or offsite land | A restoration opportunity may be commercially interesting. | LNRS listing does not itself register, secure or allocate saleable biodiversity units. |
The mapped information is strategic evidence, not a substitute for a qualified UKHab site survey. Soil, hydrology, habitat condition, protected species and future maintenance must still be checked.
Do not promise a 15% metric uplift merely because a site lies inside a colourful map polygon.
Local planning guidance
Which coastal protected-site obligations are separate from BNG?
Tyne and Wear's coastline includes internationally important areas. Relevant designated sites include the Northumbria Coast Special Protection Area (SPA) and Ramsar site, and the Durham Coast Special Area of Conservation (SAC).
The Northumbria Coast supports internationally important coastal bird populations, including wintering waders and breeding terns. The Durham Coast includes sensitive vegetated sea cliffs and magnesian limestone habitats.
Development may require Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) if it could affect a designated site's protected features, individually or in combination with other projects.
Potential pathways include increased recreation, habitat disturbance, lighting, construction activity, air quality, hydrology or water quality. An estuarine or coastal development may also affect important habitat beyond the site boundary.
A 10% BNG gain does not automatically make harm to an SPA or SAC acceptable. Statutory BNG, HRA, protected-species measures and planning mitigation are different obligations.
Newcastle's validation guidance identifies several location- and impact-based HRA triggers, including coastal land and development with hydrological or visitor-pressure links. The appropriate screen is scheme-specific.
No single verified Tyne and Wear-wide SPA/SAC buffer or fixed per-dwelling mitigation tariff was established. Do not copy a contribution figure from another county.
For the actual project, use the local planning authority, Natural England conservation advice and current coastal-designation mapping.
Local planning guidance
What habitats matter to Tyne and Wear BNG assessments?
River Tyne, River Wear and connected burns
The Tyne and Wear, with tributaries, burns, wetland pockets and estuarine corridors, support aquatic and riparian habitat networks. Changes to a river may need a specialist river condition assessment.
Coastal magnesian limestone grassland and cliff vegetation
South Tyneside and Sunderland support sensitive coastal grassland, vegetated cliffs and species-rich limestone features. Ground conditions, grazing, exposure and sea-spray influence what restoration is realistic.
North Tyneside beaches, dunes and shore
Whitley Bay, Tynemouth and surrounding coast contain beaches, grassland and important bird habitat. Avoid assuming a coastal parcel is low-value just because it looks sparsely vegetated.
Former industrial land and urban green infrastructure
Newcastle, Gateshead, Sunderland and the other boroughs include former industrial land, railway corridors, river edges and urban brownfield mosaics. Some such sites support valuable open mosaic habitats or wildlife networks despite their redevelopment history.
Woodlands, hedgerows, trees and protected species
Mature trees, ancient woodland patches, hedgerows and green corridors can connect habitats. Bats, breeding birds, otters, amphibians and other species may need separate surveys or mitigation.
Practical rule: Survey existing habitats and protect valuable features before choosing generic new planting or relying on a purchased offsite unit.
Local planning guidance
Seven checks before commissioning the biodiversity metric
Use this original worksheet to identify the correct planning authority, published LNRS and ecological evidence. It is not a legal exemption calculator or substitute for a site survey.
| Evidence check | What to record for the site | What the evidence determines |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Find the correct LPA | Newcastle, Gateshead, North Tyneside, South Tyneside or Sunderland; actual red-line site | Operative adopted Local Plan and local validation list. |
| 2. Check national BNG eligibility | Application date, full site hectares, onsite priority habitats, major/non-major class and any section 73 history | Current statutory exemption and gain hierarchy. |
| 3. Choose the correct LNRS | North of Tyne for Newcastle/North Tyneside; South of Tyne and Wear for the other three councils | Official mapped recovery action and possible strategic significance. |
| 4. Survey the baseline | UKHab, condition, hedgerows, trees, rivers, coastal habitats, photographs | Accurate current habitat values and metric modules. |
| 5. Check independent ecological duties | Northumbria Coast SPA/Ramsar, Durham Coast SAC, protected species, HRA and water quality | Any assessment/mitigation beyond numerical BNG. |
| 6. Test gain delivery | Feasible onsite habitat, registered offsite needs, habitat trading, legal allocation and South Tyneside Policy 35 where applicable | Lawful, suitable habitat delivery and geographic preference. |
| 7. Confirm long-term management | Landowner, responsible manager, HMMP, legal agreement, funding, monitoring and planning condition stage | Realistic significant onsite/offsite 30-year stewardship where required. |
Outcome: If council boundary, priority habitat, mapped LNRS measure, HRA pathway or habitat baseline is uncertain, obtain suitable evidence before claiming compliance.
Local planning guidance
What BNG evidence is needed with a planning application?
For applications subject to statutory BNG, national application-stage information normally includes:
- A statement explaining whether the development is subject to the biodiversity gain condition.
- The pre-development biodiversity value and an appropriate completed statutory metric, with tool version/date.
- Reasons for an earlier baseline date where applicable.
- Habitat degradation information and earlier calculations where relevant.
- A description of onsite irreplaceable habitats.
- A scaled onsite habitat plan with a north point.
Local planning authorities may request necessary, relevant and proportionate additional information, often through a current local validation list.
Newcastle's applicant guidance describes a BNG Assessment and Report and professional metric evidence. Gateshead's 2026 committee decisions show that inadequate baseline or BNG information can affect whether a scheme is acceptable.
North Tyneside's 2017 policies and draft 2026 plan need to be read against its actual current application checklist. South Tyneside's new adopted 2026 Policy 35 introduces a particular offsite-location evidence route where relevant. Sunderland's adopted NE2 and local wildlife considerations can also shape the assessment.
A draft local plan does not impose new nationally mandatory application evidence before adoption. Older 2024 checklist statements must also be reconciled with the August 2026 exemptions.
For professional scope, see our BNG assessment service and BNG habitat surveys.
Local planning guidance
Which biodiversity metric should be used?
The statutory biodiversity metric measures habitat value before and after development, considering type, area or length, condition, strategic significance and delivery risks.
As at 8 November 2026, the latest government statutory metric is version 1.1.0, updated 3 November 2026.
GOV.UK also confirms that any published statutory metric tool version can be used. It is incorrect to claim that only the newest version is legally accepted. However, older pre-statutory Biodiversity Metric 4.0 is not itself a statutory submission tool.
The separate Small Sites Metric is available only for eligible schemes and habitat types. Smaller buildings do not automatically qualify.
For a Tyne and Wear project, choose the correct Local Habitat Map, record UKHab and condition evidence, and consider watercourse and hedgerow modules where relevant.
Our statutory biodiversity metric service and Small Sites Metric assessments explain how the calculations are prepared.
Local planning guidance
Can a Tyne and Wear project use registered offsite biodiversity units?
Yes, subject to statutory habitat trading, registration, allocation, spatial risk, legal security and any relevant planning policies.
For major development, the national biodiversity gain hierarchy generally prioritises suitable onsite enhancements before registered offsite units. For qualifying non-major applications made from 6 August 2026, suitable onsite and registered offsite delivery can be considered at the same level of preference. Statutory credits remain the last resort.
South Tyneside's adopted Policy 35 asks applicants choosing offsite delivery to consider locations near the development and within the South of Tyne and Wear LNRS area in a specified sequence.
That local geographic preference must be interpreted alongside the current statutory hierarchy and the actual ecological suitability of units. A particular council's policy cannot simply be applied across the other four authorities.
Commercial listings and nature-recovery mapping are not proof of available legally registered units. Check the government's gain-site register and the actual legal allocation before purchasing.
Significant onsite and registered offsite gains generally require at least 30 years of legally secured habitat management and monitoring.
For the delivery route read our offsite biodiversity units guide and Habitat Management and Monitoring Plans.
Local planning guidance
What do published Tyne and Wear records demonstrate?
These are local authority records, not claims that ACP worked on these projects or delivered registered biodiversity units.
Gateshead: missing BNG evidence can be material
Gateshead's 15 July 2026 Planning and Development Committee refused a two-dwelling redevelopment proposal in Whickham. Its recorded reasons included insufficient information on BNG delivery and potential impacts on semi-natural habitats.
The same committee also considered another small proposal with insufficient statutory metric information. These are actual council planning decisions under earlier submissions, not a rule that every small site after 6 August 2026 must submit a metric.
The practical lesson is to establish the application-date exemption and site baseline before relying on a claim that the statutory BNG condition is satisfied.
Sunderland: a published council Biodiversity Duty Report
Sunderland City Council published its first biodiversity-duty report covering January 2023 to January 2026. It discusses local biodiversity action, the council's BNG responsibilities and progress towards nature recovery.
This is publicly reported council activity; it is not a verified set of ACP client cases or evidence that all future habitat targets have been achieved.
Landscape-level nature recovery
The North of Tyne and South of Tyne and Wear LNRSs identify opportunities to improve habitat connections, rivers, coastal grassland and green spaces. They provide strategic project directions, not evidence that a particular developer's units are registered and available to buy.
Official Gateshead committee minutes](https://democracy.gateshead.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=134&MId=4334&Ver=4) · Sunderland biodiversity reporting
Local planning guidance
When should a Tyne and Wear BNG assessment start?
Early ecology work is useful where development involves existing grassland, watercourses, coastal habitats, protected species or mature trees.
Costs depend on the actual site, metric complexity, habitat condition, required surveys and the preferred delivery route.
| Potential work or payment | Purpose | Important distinction |
|---|---|---|
| UKHab survey and metric | Establish habitat types, condition and biodiversity-unit changes | A professional survey cost, not a standard unit price. |
| Biodiversity Gain Plan and HMMP | Secure credible improvements, maintenance and monitoring | Final Gain Plan normally approved after permission and before work begins. |
| Registered offsite units | Address a lawful shortfall in suitable habitats | Actual unit quantity, price and allocation must be independently checked. |
| Coastal HRA or protected-species work | Assess impacts on birds, coastal SAC habitats, bats or watercourses | A separate ecology duty, not discharged automatically by achieving 10% BNG. |
| Council legal or monitoring processes | Secure and check significant habitats where relevant | Scheme- and council-specific, not a universal Tyne and Wear tariff. |
How ACP can help
Step 1 — Confirm the site and council. Share the postcode, red-line boundary, proposal and target submission date. We can identify initial national and local ecology questions.
Step 2 — Prepare reliable habitat evidence. We scope surveys, UKHab/condition assessments, metric calculations and separate protected species or watercourse studies where justified.
Step 3 — Plan practical delivery. We review habitat retention, onsite opportunities, registered offsite shortfalls and suitable gain-plan/monitoring arrangements.
The council makes the planning decision, and no consultant can guarantee permission or a fixed unit total before assessment.
For budgeting, read our BNG costs and pricing guide and Biodiversity Gain Plan guidance.
Local planning guidance
Tyne and Wear Biodiversity Net Gain FAQs
Is 10% BNG mandatory everywhere in Tyne and Wear?
The national 10% statutory objective normally applies to qualifying development, subject to exemptions and application-date transitions. Local habitat, protected-species and Habitats Regulations duties can still apply to exempt developments.
Which councils determine planning applications in Tyne and Wear?
Newcastle, Gateshead, North Tyneside, South Tyneside and Sunderland are separate metropolitan local planning authorities. The North East Combined Authority coordinates regional functions but does not normally determine ordinary local housing applications.
Is there one Tyne and Wear Local Nature Recovery Strategy?
No. Newcastle and North Tyneside use the North of Tyne LNRS, published March 2026. Gateshead, South Tyneside and Sunderland use the South of Tyne and Wear LNRS, published September 2026.
Does being within an LNRS recovery area guarantee more units?
No. Higher strategic significance depends on the correct mapped measure, site location, proposed intervention and current metric rules. An LNRS map is not a habitat survey or automatic unit multiplier.
Has South Tyneside adopted its new Local Plan?
Yes. South Tyneside adopted its 2023–2040 Local Plan in July 2026. Adopted Policy 35 includes a local preference order for registered offsite BNG delivery. The later national gain hierarchy must also be followed.
Has North Tyneside adopted its 2026 replacement Local Plan?
No. North Tyneside's Regulation 19 consultation ends 12 November 2026. Its 2017 adopted Local Plan remains operative until a new plan is formally adopted.
Do Newcastle and Gateshead share a Local Plan?
They share the adopted 2015 Core Strategy and Urban Core Plan. Newcastle also has a separate adopted 2020 Development and Allocations Plan, while Gateshead adopted Making Spaces for Growing Places in 2021. A new joint plan is only in preparation.
Does Sunderland's draft Allocations and Designations Plan apply?
No. Sunderland's draft Allocations and Designations Plan was revoked in September 2023. The adopted January 2020 Core Strategy and Development Plan remains the main current framework, alongside relevant saved policies and IAMP.
Are small development sites of 0.2 hectares exempt?
Eligible new applications made from 6 August 2026 may be exempt if the complete red-line area is 0.2 hectares or less and no onsite priority habitat is affected. Prior applications, section 73 and other exemptions require separate review.
Does 10% BNG replace a Northumbria Coast SPA assessment?
No. Northumbria Coast SPA/Ramsar and Durham Coast SAC require separate protected-site consideration where impacts could occur. Biodiversity units do not automatically satisfy Habitats Regulations Assessment or species obligations.
Which statutory biodiversity metric version can be used?
The latest government version on 8 November 2026 was v1.1.0, updated 3 November. GOV.UK permits any published statutory metric version where appropriate. The Small Sites Metric has separate eligibility criteria; pre-statutory Metric 4.0 is not a valid statutory tool.
What should I send ACP for a Tyne and Wear BNG quotation?
Send the site postcode, red-line plan, proposed works, available drawings, existing ecology reports and anticipated planning date. Tell us about nearby rivers, coast, designated habitats, trees or species if known.
Local planning guidance
Discuss your Tyne and Wear Biodiversity Net Gain assessment with ACP
Tell us where the proposed development is, what you want to build and when you need planning evidence. We can help identify the proportionate habitat survey, statutory metric and ecological work required.
Request a Tyne and Wear BNG assessment quotation
Alternative: Contact ACP Consultants.
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.
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Tyne and Wear BNG
Sources and references
Reviewed 10 November 2026.
National BNG guidance
Local planning and nature recovery
- North of Tyne LNRS
- South of Tyne and Wear NaturePlan
- Newcastle adopted Local Plan and policies
- Emerging NewcastleGateshead Local Plan
- Newcastle BNG planning guidance
- Newcastle planning validation
- North Tyneside 2026 Local Plan consultation
- North Tyneside adopted 2017 Local Plan
- Accessible South Tyneside adopted Local Plan 2023–2040
- Sunderland adopted Core Strategy and Development Plan
- Sunderland Biodiversity and Green Infrastructure
- Northumbria Coast SPA conservation information