Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) in Lichfield

Q: Does Lichfield require BNG for most developments?

Yes, unless exempt under national policy.

Q: Are canal-side developments scrutinised more closely?

Yes. Canal corridors are important ecological routes that often require BNG evidence.

Q: Do former agricultural sites hold biodiversity value?

Many do, especially where land has regenerated into mixed or early successional habitat.

Q: Are off-site units accepted in Lichfield?

Yes, with justification and 30-year security.

Q: Is long-term habitat management needed?

Yes. Management is required for habitats contributing to the BNG calculation.

Q: When should a BNG assessment be undertaken?

Early, before the scheme layout is finalised.

Developing or submitting a planning application in Lichfield and require Biodiversity Net Gain?

BNG is now a mandatory requirement – we specialise in providing compliant reports to achieve planning consent.

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Working in partnership with clients to ensure planning approval first time

Typical 10-day turnaround

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We stay with you from first call through to submission.

Do you need a Biodiversity Net Gain Assessment in Lichfield?

Biodiversity Net Gain is now a required component of the planning system for most developments in Lichfield. Proposals must demonstrate that the site will deliver a measurable improvement in biodiversity compared with its existing condition. Lichfield District Council often cannot validate applications lacking clear, robust BNG evidence, which can lead to delays during later stages of the planning process.

Planning officers in Lichfield frequently request BNG where development may interact with important ecological features. Typical examples include:

Canal and river corridors linked to the Trent & Mersey Canal and River Trent

Regenerating former industrial and agricultural sites with early-stage habitat

Suburban woodland edges, green corridors and parks connecting neighbourhoods

Valley bottoms, stream corridors and the district’s extensive network of pathways

Appropriate BNG evidence helps maintain planning momentum and prevents validation issues.

We support developments across the Lichfield area, including the city centre, Stowe, Leomansley, Boley Park, Chadsmead, Streethay, Fradley and surrounding parishes within the local authority boundary.

Why planning authorities in Lichfield request a BNG

Lichfield District Council encourages early preparation of BNG evidence to confirm that the 10% uplift can be achieved. Early baseline work allows potential constraints to be identified at the outset, giving both the applicant and the planning authority confidence that the development can deliver a compliant uplift. A verified habitat baseline, a fully justified Metric calculation and a clear, proportionate strategy for securing biodiversity gains help ensure alignment with national policy, minimise redesign later in the process and significantly reduce planning risk.

Local Case Insight

A BNG assessment for a residential scheme in Fradley identified previously overlooked habitat areas along an old farm track. What appeared at first glance to be common improved grassland was found, through detailed UKHab mapping, to include developing scrub patches, tall-herb communities and a damp depression supporting wet-tolerant species. Together, these features provided significantly greater biodiversity value and ecological function than the design team anticipated. Recognising these elements early in the process allowed the layout to be refined, protecting valuable habitat parcels and ensuring that the overall scheme could achieve a compliant biodiversity uplift without major redesign later on.

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How the BNG process works

We produce planning-ready BNG Assessments aligned to Lichfield’s policy expectations.

Key BNG Deliverables for Lichfield Projects

For developments in Lichfield, our BNG assessments provide the core information planning officers expect. Each assessment includes:

Verified UKHab baseline survey

Clear and defensible Biodiversity Metric

Practical uplift strategy suitable for site conditions

Planning-ready reporting to meet validation requirements

This structure supports Lichfield Council’s requirements and offers a proportionate route to demonstrating BNG across a wide range of development types.

Step 1

Habitat baseline surveys

Year-round, with optimal survey seasons

Step 2

Metric 4.0 calculations

Completed once habitat data is verified.

Step 3

Uplift strategy development

Aligned with design progression and layout refinement.

Step 4

Integration with Other Surveys

Only if needed. PEA, EIA, and Protected Species surveys

Next Steps

Contact us, and we’ll confirm exactly what your Lichfield site requires. We provide a planning-ready, proportionate route forward.

0800 494 7479

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FAQ - BNG in Lichfield

Does Lichfield require BNG for most developments?

Yes — unless a site falls under national exemptions.

You can review local planning guidance here:

Lichfield District Council https://www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/

Are canal-side developments scrutinised more closely?

Yes. The Trent & Mersey Canal and linked corridors often require early BNG consideration.

Do former agricultural sites hold biodiversity value?

Many do, particularly those reverting to scrub or mixed habitat.

Are off-site units accepted in Lichfield?

Yes, provided justification is clear and long-term security is in place.

Is long-term habitat management needed?