Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Surveys & Consultants in North West England

In England, the statutory framework introduced by the Environment Act 2021 requires most new planning permissions to include a condition for biodiversity net gain (BNG).  For developments in the North West region, major development (typically 10 + dwellings, non-residential over 1000 m², or sites of 1 ha +) must demonstrate at least 10 % uplift via the Metric from 12 February 2024 onwards, and smaller developments from 2 April 2024.  However, there are exemptions (such as some householder extensions, de-minimis habitat loss, self-build sites). Developers should always check the local planning authority’s validation list.

The calculation process uses the Statutory Biodiversity Metric 4.0 (or the Small Sites Metric if eligible). Habitats on the site are classified and assessed for condition and distinctiveness. Then the post-development condition is modelled and the net gain is calculated.  In the North West, the Metric needs to reflect local habitat types (e.g., upland moors, deciduous woodland, hedgerows, coastal saltmarshes). Also the hedgerow and watercourse modules must be treated separately if present.

Yes, off-site biodiversity net gain is permitted, but only where on-site delivery is not feasible and subject to local authority approval and the permitted trading rules. The loss must still follow the mitigation hierarchy (avoid, minimise, compensate) and off-site gains need to be secured and monitored typically for 30 years.  So in the North West context, if your site has limited scope for habitat creation (for example in urban areas around Manchester), an off-site option may be the pragmatic route, though it may involve purchasing statutory credits or coordinating with a habitat bank.

Developers must take into account each local planning authority’s validation checklist and supplementary guidance. For example, Node-specific documents exist for councils such as West Lancashire. Because many North West LPAs are still developing Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRS) and mapping ecological networks, it’s vital to engage early with the authority.  Failure to align with local policy expectations (e.g., strategic habitat corridors, local biodiversity priorities, natural capital accounting) may result in delays or refusal of the planning application.

ACP Consultants offer a full suite of services including site-specific habitat surveys, metric modelling, biodiversity gain planning, and liaison with planning authorities. We tailor our approach to the North West region’s specific context: from upland moorland to urban fringe, from hedgerows to watercourse habitats. We help you navigate local validation requirements, produce the necessary documents (e.g., Habitat Management & Monitoring Plan – HMMP), and embed the BNG strategy into your planning submission. Our aim is to deliver your biodiversity net gain (BNG) surveys and consultants in BNG in North West (Region Hub) solution with minimal risk and maximum clarity.

Sustainable land management ensures that biodiversity improvements are maintained for the long term. In the North West, landowners and developers are encouraged to integrate sustainable land management practices such as rotational grazing, natural flood management and native hedgerow planting within their biodiversity net gain strategies. These methods support habitat resilience, reduce soil erosion and complement local biodiversity action plans.

Natural capital accounting provides an evidence-based framework for valuing the benefits of habitats, watercourses and green space created through BNG. Local authorities in the North West increasingly use natural capital metrics to track environmental gains and inform green infrastructure planning. ACP Consultants incorporates these principles into every BNG assessment to demonstrate measurable ecosystem value.

Urban regeneration schemes across Greater Manchester, Liverpool and Preston benefit from green infrastructure planning that links biodiversity net gain with community wellbeing. Enhancing urban greenspace, restoring brownfield corridors and connecting wildlife habitats contribute both to BNG compliance and to wildlife conservation strategies at city-region scale.

Common habitat enhancement measures include wildflower meadow creation, pond restoration and riparian buffer planting. In upland or rural zones, habitat restoration techniques such as peatland re-wetting and woodland coppicing can deliver high biodiversity unit gains. ACP Consultants selects the most appropriate measures for each site to achieve the 10 % statutory uplift while supporting ecological consultancy services outcomes.

Comprehensive flora and fauna surveys establish baseline ecological conditions essential for the biodiversity measurement tools used in BNG calculations. The results inform local biodiversity action plans and guide conservation planning services so that habitat creation aligns with local and regional ecological priorities. Our consultants ensure that survey data directly feed into the Statutory Biodiversity Metric 4.0 for a defensible planning submission.