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  1. Welcome to Planning Portal
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  4. Biodiversity Net Gain
  5. What is biodiversity net gain?

Biodiversity Net Gain

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  1. What is biodiversity net gain?
  2. How is biodiversity measured?
  3. Who does biodiversity net gain affect?
  4. What’s required from applicants?
  5. Biodiversity gain plan appeals
  6. On-site and off-site improvements
  7. Biodiversity net gain legislation links
  8. Updates to biodiversity net gain
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What is biodiversity net gain?

Biodiversity net gain refers to the regulations which require developers to show that their proposed plans will deliver a minimum of a 10% increase in biodiversity to the environment, with the habitat secured for at least 30 years. From 12 February 2024 these regulations will apply to most types of developments, with the exception of those which are exempt. Small sites are expected to provide the same level of biodiversity gain evidence from 2 April 2024 onwards.

It will generally be expected that the biodiversity gains attributed to the project will be delivered within in 12 months. However, the legislation recognises that this may not be possible in every case, therefore applicants may discuss and agree timeframes with local planning authorities where necessary.

Unless exempt, it will be a condition of all planning permissions for the applicant to provide a statutory biodiversity metric and biodiversity gain plan in order for development to commence.


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      The Planning Portal is delivered by PortalPlanQuest Limited which is a joint venture between TerraQuest Solutions Limited and the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG). All content © 2025 Planning Portal.

      The Planning Portal is delivered by PortalPlanQuest Limited which is a joint venture between TerraQuest Solutions Limited and the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG). All content © 2025 Planning Portal.