Biodiversity Net Gain: its aims and the process to follow
The introduction of biodiversity net gain (BNG) into UK law through the Environment Act 2021 marked a significant shift in how development projects are planned and delivered. The aim is to ensure that biodiversity is left in a measurably better state after development than it was beforehand, creating long-term environmental benefits across the country. For almost all planning applications, aside from a few limited exemptions, meeting biodiversity net gain legislation is now a mandatory requirement.
In practice, this means that developers in Leicester in the east midlands must work with professional ecologists to calculate the pre development biodiversity value of a site and its diversity value after development. By comparing these two figures, any shortfall can be identified and addressed, with a minimum 10% net gain in biodiversity required. This uplift can be achieved through on-site measures, off-site habitat creation, or a combination of both, but the approach must be clearly set out in a BNG plan approved by local authorities before they will grant planning permission.
Since April 2024, the UK government has made meeting BNG requirements a legal obligation rather than an optional policy when determining planning applications. It is embedded not only in the Environment Act but also in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), supported by guidance from Natural England, local planning authorities, National Nature Recovery Strategies and conservation bodies. Developers in Leicester should regard a biodiversity strategy as a core part of their project from the earliest stages of new developments to avoid delays later in the planning process.
The Natural Environment in Leicester
Leicester, in the East Midlands, is a historic city surrounded by a rich mix of habitats, from river corridors and wetland areas to species-rich grasslands and ancient woodlands, all with high nature conservation value. The River Soar and its floodplains form an important ecological network through the city, supporting wildlife such as kingfishers, otters, water voles, and a variety of bat species. Nature reserves such as Aylestone Meadows and Watermead Country Park offer biodiversity-rich areas and accessible natural greenspace that forms part of the wider habitat network in Leicestershire.
Balancing urban development with nature conservation measures is a key challenge for the city. Leicester City Council works closely with Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust, the Environment Agency, other conservation partners and local communities to protect and enhance local wildlife sites, designated sites and priority habitat and it has a local biodiversity action plan bap in place. Biodiversity net gain plans in Leicester must therefore align with these local priorities, ensuring that the creation of wildlife habitats and their enhancement contributes to the wider Nature Recovery Network.
Habitat Enhancement and Nature Conservation in Leicester
The local authority is committed to increasing ecological connectivity, restoring degraded sites, increasing biological diversity, protecting important habitats and creating habitats that benefit both wildlife and people. For developers, this means that biodiversity net gain plans will be scrutinised to ensure they deliver measurable, lasting improvements with ongoing environmental management plans to enforce them.
Biodiversity Strategy Options
Common measures include creating wildflower meadows, improving riparian habitats along the River Soar, installing green roofs and sustainable drainage systems, planting new hedgerows and trees to form wildlife corridors.
Where possible, habitat loss due to property development should be avoided or minimised. Enhancements should be designed to support priority species and habitats identified in Leicester’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy, ensuring compliance with both national legislation and local ecological objectives. Leicestershire County Council works with corresponding local councils to ensure important habitats that overlap council boundaries are prioritised.
Preparing a BNG Plan in Leicester
Before planning applications will be granted planning permission, developers must submit a biodiversity net gain assessment prepared by a qualified ecologist. This begins with a baseline biodiversity survey, involving an ecological consultant making a site visit to the proposed development site and mapping existing habitats.
These wildlife habitats will be assessed and scored using the government’s Biodiversity Net Gain Metric tool. This process evaluates habitat type, condition, and size, along with the presence of any legally protected species.
Once the baseline score is established, the ecologist will calculate the projected post-development biodiversity value, taking into account any proposed new habitat to be planted, enhancement, and management. If the comparison reveals a shortfall, mitigation strategies must be implemented to meet the 10% net gain requirement.
Delivering BNG On-Site or on Other Land
Leicester City Council places emphasis on achieving biodiversity net gain on-site where possible. This can involve creating new habitats such as ponds, wetlands, or woodland areas to boost biodiversity value, as well as incorporating green infrastructure into the development design.
However, where on-site delivery is not practical due to space or design constraints, developers may purchase biodiversity units away from the site from registered habitat banks as a last resort option to achieve the required net gain units. These units represent verified habitat improvements delivered elsewhere, ideally within Leicestershire or the surrounding area, to maintain local ecological benefits.
The Role of Biodiversity Assessments
A well-prepared biodiversity net gain plan will detail exactly how the required uplift will be achieved, both during and after construction. It will set out proposals to create habitats, management and monitoring commitments, implementation timescales, and a legally binding 30-year maintenance agreement, as required by law.
Leicester City Council will also expect the plan to follow the mitigation hierarchy: first avoid habitat damage where possible, then minimise unavoidable impacts, and finally compensate for residual losses. Plans should also demonstrate alignment with Leicester’s Local Plan, Local Nature Recovery Strategy, and wider green infrastructure goals. Proposed development projects should also take account of Sites of Special Scientific Interest and local nature reserves.
Meeting BNG Regulations with Professional Support
Our ecology consultancy provides expert BNG plans not only in Leicester and the East Midlands but on small and major developments across the UK. Consultants are accredited to the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) and have extensive experience in preparing BNG assessments that meet local planning authorities requirements.
We work on planning projects with a wide range of clients including landscape architects, planning consultants, large and small scale developers, commercial clients and private homeowners, helping them to integrate biodiversity into project design from the outset and achieve bng requirements. Our advice enables developers to navigate the planning system with confidence, avoiding costly delays and last-minute changes.
From initial site surveys to final plan submission, we manage the entire process, including baseline habitat surveys, tree surveys, Biodiversity Metric calculations, habitat creation design, and long-term management plans. We can also carry out protected species surveys such as great crested newt surveys, bat surveys and surveys for barn owls.
If off-site biodiversity units are required, we can assist with sourcing and securing them from trusted providers, ensuring all legal and reporting obligations are met. Our knowledge of Leicester’s ecological priorities, local wildlife sites, and planning policies means we can create strategies that are both legally compliant and tailored to local environmental needs.
Request a Free Quote for a BNG Survey in Leicester
If your development project in Leicester requires a BNG survey, we can provide a no obligation, free quote based on your site and planning requirements.
To discuss your biodiversity net gain needs in Leicester, contact us today for further information. You may also use the telephone number or email address on this page. Once you accept our quote, we will arrange a site visit at a convenient time and guide you through the next steps.
Our ecological consultants will draw up a bng plan that will work in harmony with local biodiversity action plans and comply with Leicestershire County Council requirements on nature conservation, giving your application the best chance of securing planning consent.