Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is a way of creating and improving natural habitats through the planning process.
BNG is a mandatory requirement on major new developments (unless exempt) from 12 February 2024, and will apply to new planning applications received on or after this date.
It will mean developers will need to submit BNG supporting information as part of relevant planning applications.
BNG will also be required for minor planning applications from 2 April 2024.
Surrey Heath Portfolio Holder for Sustainable Transport and Planning, Cllr Alan Ashbery said: “Biodiversity Net Gain is an approach to development which aims to make sure that habitats for wildlife are left in a measurably better state after development than they were before the development took place.
“This supports one of our key priorities of protecting our environment, and should have a positive effect on development outcomes for our precious environment locally.”
The Local Validation List (LVL) includes national and local requirements for all types of planning applications.
The Surrey Heath Borough Council 2023 LVL was subject to a consultation period between 17 February 2023 and 21 March 2023 and issued 1 April 2023.
The Council has now issued a revised LVL to include the requirements for Biodiversity Net Gain. No other changes have been made to the LVL.
A consultation on the proposed changes to the LVL will take place between 19 February and 4 March.
For more information on this consultation visit the Local Validation List consultation webpage.
To respond to the Local Validation List BNG consultation please email dmconsultations@surreyheath.gov.uk (link sends email).