Biodiversity Net Gain is to become mandatory for large sites on 12th February 2024, and small sites on 2nd April 2024, DEFRA have confirmed. All major developments will be required to complete a Metric showing a 10% gain in Biodiversity.

BNG for small sites will have an extended transition period and will apply from 2 April 2024. The definition of small sites is summarised below. Small site development includes:

• Residential development where the number of dwellings is between 1 and 9, or if unknown the site area is less than 0.5 hectares

• Commercial development where floor space created is less than 1,000 square metres or the total site area is less than 1 hectare.

More information is available on the DEFRA Website: BNG launch date confirmed - Land use: policies and framework (blog.gov.uk).

For help and advice on achieving Biodiversity Net Gain on your development site, please get in touch and we’ll happily provide advice.