Biodiversity Net Gain: An Overview
The way that development projects are planned and approved changed with the introduction of biodiversity net gain (BNG), which was brought into UK law through the Environment Act 2021. The central aim of BNG is to ensure that the natural environment is left in a measurably better state after development than it was before.
For most planning applications to Tyne and Wear City Council in the north east of the UK, biodiversity net gain is now a legal requirement in addition to other local planning policies. Mandatory biodiversity net gain means that developers must work with qualified ecological consultants to assess the biodiversity value of a site before and after development.
Meeting bng requirements
If the post-development biodiversity gain score falls short, measures must be put in place to deliver at least a 10% net gain in biodiversity. This can be achieved through creating habitat on a development site, purchasing biodiversity units away from the site, or a combination of the two. All measures must be documented, quantified, and approved by the local planning authority before planning consent is granted.
The Statutory Obligation
Since February 2024, meeting biodiversity net gain requirements has been a statutory obligation, supported by the National Planning Policy Framework, Natural England guidance, Local Nature Recovery Strategies, and Tyne and Wear’s own ecological priorities.
Developers are strongly advised to incorporate BNG into the earliest stages of project planning to avoid costly delays or design changes as the application moves through the planning system.
Ecological Features in Tyne and Wear
This north east county is diverse and vibrant, encompassing urban centres such as Newcastle, Sunderland, and Gateshead alongside valuable natural landscapes like the River Wear, the River Tyne, coastal dunes, ancient woodlands, sites of special scientific interest and wetlands.
These areas provide habitats for protected species including bats, otters, badgers, breeding birds, and great crested newts.
This rich biodiversity means that any biodiversity net gain plan must take account of the existing habitats and species present, ensuring that new developments do not fragment wildlife corridors or reduce habitat quality.
Habitat Restoration
Local councils and environmental organisations are proactive in promoting habitat restoration, nature-based flood management, and green infrastructure to encourage nature recovery and meet climate resilience targets. Irreplaceable habitat in designated sites such as ancient woodland is given strong protection.
This means biodiversity net gain proposals will be carefully assessed to ensure they deliver measurable and lasting ecological improvements and comply with planning conditions before development projects will be granted planning permission.
Preparing a BNG Assessment in Tyne and Wear
Before submitting a planning application, the first step is to commission a BNG assessment from a qualified ecologist. The process begins with a baseline biodiversity survey, mapping all habitats on-site, assessing their condition, and calculating their value using the government’s Biodiversity Metric.
The consultant will take into account any protected sites and irreplaceable habitat nearby. If there are signs of protected species, additional surveys will be required to establish their presence and inform any necessary mitigation.
Meeting the 10% Gain Requirement
Once the baseline is established, the ecologist calculates the projected biodiversity value post-development. If the site does not meet the required 10% uplift, the ecologist will recommend habitat management, creating new habitat or enhancement measures to bridge the gap.
This might include modifying landscaping plans, improving habitat quality or incorporating green infrastructure. If these measure are not sufficient, it might be necessary to identify suitable off-site biodiversity units.
On-Site and Off-Site BNG units
In Tyne and Wear, most biodiversity net gain is delivered on-site, through enhancements such as species-rich grasslands, native tree planting, wetland restoration, or green roofs and walls that support urban wildlife.
Where on-site delivery is not sufficient, as an alternative approach, developers can secure off-site units from registered habitat banks. These units represent measurable habitat improvements elsewhere, ideally within Tyne and Wear to ensure ecological benefits to the local environment.
Where off-site delivery is used, conservation covenants will be required to secure the long-term management of the habitat. As a final option, statutory biodiversity credits may be purchased from the government, though this is the least preferred route under planning policy.
Protected Species Surveys in Tyne and Wear
Many development sites in Tyne and Wear also require protected species surveys alongside the BNG process. Surveys for bats, badgers, otters, water voles, reptiles, barn owls and great crested newts are common, depending on the site’s location and habitats.
Undertaking these surveys early when planning new developments ensures the biodiversity gain plan is aligned with the mitigation hierarchy – avoiding impacts where possible, minimising unavoidable harm, and compensating for any losses.
A qualified ecologist can ensure that all surveys, mitigation plans, and habitat enhancements are fully integrated, giving the best chance of meeting both legal obligations and planning system requirements.
The Biodiversity Net Gain Plan
A biodiversity net gain plan details exactly how a development will achieve the 10% uplift in biodiversity. It will specify the habitat creation and enhancement measures, set out long-term management plans for land managers, and provide evidence that improvements will be maintained for at least 30 years, in line with the statutory requirement.
These plans must also demonstrate alignment with Local Nature Recovery Strategies, local planning conditions and regional ecological priorities. They should clearly show how habitats will be protected, restored, and enhanced throughout the life of the project.
Support to deliver bng in Tyne and Wear
Our ecology consultancy provides BNG plans in Tyne and Wear, the Newcastle City Council area and across the north east, supporting development projects of all sizes from small residential sites to major infrastructure projects.
We handle every stage of the planning process, from baseline biodiversity surveys such as preliminary ecological appraisals and Biodiversity Metric calculations to advising on biodiversity enhancements, long-term land management plans, a monitoring plan if needed and support with a public consultation. We can also help with sourcing off-site biodiversity net gain bng units where required.
We work on large and small scale residential developments, with architects, planning consultants and private homeowners to ensure BNG is built into the project from the start, preventing costly delays and ensuring compliance with local planning authority conditions.
With in-depth knowledge of habitats, species, and ecological priorities in Tyne and Wear and the north east region, we are experienced in delivering net gain plans that are both legally compliant and relevant to the local environment.
Request a Free Quote for BNG Plans in Tyne and Wear
If your development plans require a biodiversity net gain bng assessment to satisfy Tyne and Wear City Council, we can provide a free, tailored quote. Our experienced ecologists will arrange a convenient site visit, carry out the necessary surveys, and prepare a clear, compliant BNG plan to help you navigate the planning application process.
By fully complying with the Environment Act 2021 and delivering measurable benefits to the natural environment, you will improve your chances of securing planning permission and contribute to lasting environmental gains in Tyne and Wear. To start your BNG planning process, contact us today and fill in our quote form.