Biodiversity Net Gain information and guidance
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is an approach to development that requires developments to be designed and planned in ways that leave the natural environment in a measurably better state than prior to development.
BNG is already required under policy ENV DM5 of the Arun Local Plan which states all development schemes should, in the first instance, seek to achieve a net gain in biodiversity and protect existing habitats on site.
The Environment Act 2021 goes further and from 12 February 2024 it is a mandatory requirement for all major development (with a few exemptions) to deliver a net gain of at least 10%. Habitat management and monitoring must be secured for at least 30 years.
From 2 April 2024 this requirement will apply to minor development.
Householder applications are exempt from the mandatory requirement but will be required to demonstrate net gain under Arun Local Plan Policy ENV DM5.
Biodiversity information that needs to be provided with your planning application
Both the national and local Planning Validation lists have been updated.
The national Planning Validation list requires major development to provide a fully completed statutory biodiversity metric calculation tool and supporting biodiversity net gain information.
The local Planning Validation list requires all development to provide a biodiversity net gain statement in accordance with Arun Local Plan Policy ENV DM5.
These biodiversity net gain requirements are in addition to the need to provide protected species and site surveys where applicable. Details of when these are required are also contained in the validation requirements lists.
Useful Guidance
For further information see the government’s guidance: