Biodiversity Net Gain Leicestershire: Ecology Surveys and BNG Planning
The introduction of biodiversity net gain (BNG) into law through the Environment Act 2021 has transformed how development projects in Leicestershire are planned and approved. Since February 2024, most planning applications must achieve at least a 10% measurable increase in biodiversity value, ensuring developments leave the natural environment in a measurably better state than before.
For anyone seeking planning permission in the Leicestershire County Council area, a bng assessment is now a UK government requirement.
Ecologists use the government’s statutory Biodiversity Metric to measure a site’s ecological baseline before development and to compare it with its projected biodiversity value post-development. Where a shortfall is identified, enhancements must be designed into the scheme, either on-site or off-site, to meet the statutory 10% net gain target.
Leicestershire’s local planning authorities, alongside Natural England and the National Planning Policy Framework, require clear and transparent bng plans as part of the planning process, making early ecological input and habitat assessment essential for a successful application.
Leicestershire’s Ecological Features
Leicestershire is a county with a rich natural environment, ranging from irreplaceable habitat in Charnwood Forest’s ancient woodlands and rocky outcrops to the River Soar corridor, extensive wetlands, and lowland meadows. Sites such as Bradgate Park, Beacon Hill, and the Soar Valley are of high nature conservation value and ecological importance, supporting species including bats, otters, badgers, barn owls, and great crested newts.
In addition to Local Nature Reserves and designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest, Leicestershire contains areas identified for habitat restoration and connectivity in its Local Nature Recovery Strategy. These local priorities focus on protecting and enhancing woodlands, wetlands, and grasslands, maintaining accessible natural greenspace for local communities and ensuring that development does not fragment existing ecological networks.
A biodiversity gain plan in the Leicestershire County Council area of the east midlands must take account of these ecological sensitivities, local wildlife sites, and contribute positively to the county’s nature conservation measures.
Preparing a BNG Assessment
The process of preparing a biodiversity net gain bng report begins with a baseline survey by a qualified ecological consultant to achieve a pre development biodiversity value. This involves creating maps showing onsite habitat existing on the proposed development site, including priority habitat; assessing its condition and calculating biodiversity units using the statutory metric tool.
Proposals for development are then assessed against this baseline, with habitat creation, enhancements, and management measures factored in. Where the projected outcome does not reach the 10% net gain requirement, additional improvements will be recommended.
Depending on site conditions, further ecological surveys, such as bat surveys, great crested newt surveys, or badger assessments, may also be required to ensure compliance with wildlife legislation and the planning policy of local councils.
Providing Biodiversity Net Gain BNG
Developers in Leicestershire are strongly encouraged to achieve biodiversity net gain on site, through measures such as new woodland planting, wildflower meadow creation, creating new hedgerows or restoring existing hedges and installing wildlife-friendly sustainable drainage systems.
Where this is not feasible, off site biodiversity units can be secured, often through registered habitat banks within the county. This ensures ecological improvements remain local and contribute to Leicestershire’s conservation strategies.
As a last resort option, statutory biodiversity credits can be purchased from the government, but only where on site and off site delivery cannot achieve bng targets.
Priority Species Surveys
The presence of protected species is a frequent consideration in the county, and many development sites will require supporting ecological surveys. Bats, badgers, otters, water voles, reptiles, and great crested newts are widely distributed across Leicestershire, and surveys are necessary to comply with both planning and legal requirements.
Incorporating these alongside a bng assessment in Leicestershire ensures that developments follow the mitigation hierarchy of avoid, minimise, and then compensate for ecological impacts.
The Biodiversity Net Gain Plan
A biodiversity net gain plan Leicestershire provides the planning authority with a detailed account of how a development will achieve its statutory target. It includes baseline and post-development biodiversity values, habitat creation proposals, enhancement measures, and accompanying documents to detail a development management procedure to ensure improvements are sustained for a minimum of 30 years.
Local authorities in Leicestershire require plans to be fully aligned with countywide ecological priorities, ensuring that projects include a biodiversity strategy that is dedicated to protecting important habitats and will contribute to nature conservation and habitat connectivity.
Support for Biodiversity Net Gain Leicestershire
Our consultancy provides specialist support with bng Leicestershire projects, offering tailored bng reports and assessments across the county. From initial site surveys and Biodiversity Metric calculations to long-term biodiversity net gain plans and environmental management schemes, we have extensive experience and ensure compliance with both national legislation and local requirements surrounding planning permission.
We also carry out all protected species and ecological surveys needed to support planning submissions. We work on planning projects for major developments, minor developments, small sites and for commercial clients, private landowners and homeowners: we can guide you through the entire planning application process, minimising unnecessary delays, helping you to meet bng requirements and deliver lasting ecological benefits.
Request a Free Quote for Biodiversity Net Gain Leicestershire
If your proposed development requires a bng assessment in Leicestershire, contact us today on our online form or use the telephone number above for a free, no-obligation quote. We will ask for further information about your scheme’s objectives and the site address.
Our Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management accredited team of experienced ecologists will arrange a site visit, prepare a detailed and compliant bng report detailing how to meet your biodiversity gain requirements and provide ongoing advice to help you achieve planning permission.
By working with our professional consultants, you will not only meet your legal obligations, comply with local planning authorities and Natural England guidance, but also ensure meaningful ecological improvements across Leicestershire’s unique landscapes.