Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is a way of creating and improving natural habitats through the planning process.
Biodiversity net gain is needed, as one of many actions, to address the significant and troubling losses in biodiversity and bio-abundance. Further evidence is available in the UK State of Nature Report on the Natural England website (external link) and in the State of Surrey’s Nature publication on the Surrey Wildlife Trust website (external link).
Under the Environment Act 2021, development must achieve at least a 10% net gain in biodiversity value, compared to the pre-development baseline, unless the development is exempt. A standardised calculation tool is used, known as the biodiversity metric, to ensure consistency and transparency. The number of biodiversity units is based on area of the habitat, its distinctiveness and its condition. Please note that a post-development private garden is discounted because it has no public access and biodiversity net gains cannot be legally secured.
If it is not possible to meet all or part of your BNG units 'on site' and you need to purchase ‘off site’ units, you may find the following unit finder websites of use. Please note that these websites have not been verified or endorsed by the Council and other sources may be available.
Future Homes Hub UK (external link)
Gaia - BNG Marketplace (external link)
Local Biodiversity Units Available - Habitat Bank Network (external link)
BNG Finder - Find and Sell Biodiversity Units (external link)
For national information about BNG, see the full collection of Biodiversity Net Gain webpages on the GOV.UK website (external link).
Council guidance and requirements
Guidance on what information needs to be provided in relation to BNG, in support of a planning application in Surrey Heath, is set out in the BNG Guidance document available to download below.
The guidance addresses some of the frequently asked questions, such as:
- What information is required with a planning application?
- What information is required prior to commencement of development?
- Is an ecologist essential for completing the biodiversity metric?
- Will the Council supply local Biodiversity units from enhancements on council-owned land?
- What is the guidance on Strategic Significance scoring in the biodiversity metrics?
- How will the Council agree S106 agreement with landowners in the borough wishing to provide Biodiversity Units?
- What is defined as a self-build or custom housebuilding and what information is required to demonstrate this?
- What information is required to demonstrate the de minimis exemption?
This guidance ought to be read in conjunction with the Local Validation List. To support your application the Council’s Biodiversity Statement template, link below, is required to be completed and submitted.