Biodiversity Net Gain Assessment in Kenilworth

What is a Biodiversity Net Gain Assessment?

Biodiversity Net Gain Assessments have been put into place as a method of contributing to the recovery of nature. This was brought about following the release of the State of Nature report which stated that there has been a decline of 13% in the average wildlife throughout the UK, since the 70s. Therefore Biodiversity Net Gain Assessments in Kenilworth and throughout Warwickshire are now in place to ensure that the habitat for wildlife is left in a better state than it was before development.

Why are Biodiversity Net Gain Assessments in Kenilworth Required?

Biological Diversity refers to the variety of living organisms found in a specific area, including animals, plants, insects, bacteria, and fungi. Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Assessments are now the standardized method for ensuring biodiversity enhancements during new developments. If you’re applying for planning permission, you’ll need a Biodiversity Net Gain Assessment in Kenilworth. This process enhances existing biodiversity on-site by creating new habitats that exceed pre-development biodiversity levels, achieving a 10% ‘net gain.’ Anyone planning to develop must now ensure that they provide a Biodiversity Net Gain Assessment as part of their planning application. Developers should aim to avoid any habitat loss on their site. If this isn’t possible, they must create new habitats either on-site or at a nearby alternative location. If creating new habitats is not feasible, developers have the option to purchase statutory credits from the government. However, this option must be supported by evidence and used only as a last resort.

Does it matter what size my development is?

From April 2, 2024, Biodiversity Net Gains (BNGs) became mandatory for most developments, including residential projects with 10 or more dwellings, sites larger than 0.5 hectares, smaller residential developments of 1 to 9 dwellings, and commercial projects with under 1,000 m² of floor space or sites smaller than 1 hectare.

Biodiversity Net Gain assessments in Kenilworth are now required for nearly all planning applications, though some exceptions apply.

Biodiversity Net Gain Assessment in Warwickshire
Biodiversity Net Gain Assessment in Kenilworth

Exclusions for Biodiversity Net Gain Assessments in Kenilworth:

Exclusions include retrospective planning applications, those submitted before February 12, 2024, or applications to vary conditions on permissions granted before that date. Development works that do not affect priority habitats or impact less than 25m² of non-priority habitat (or 5m of non-priority linear habitat) are also excluded.

Existing property developments are exempt unless they involve changing the property’s use or the number of dwellings. Small-scale self-build projects with no more than 9 dwellings on sites smaller than 0.5 hectares and exclusively self-built are excluded.

Developments on biodiversity gain sites intended to enhance biodiversity for other projects or provide free public access for education or recreation are exempt, as are developments related to the High-Speed Transport Network.

Book your Biodiversity Net Gain Assessments in Kenilworth:

ProHort Ltd would love to assist you with your Biodiversity Net Gain Assessment. Call us today on 01782 479 479 or complete our online contact form. 

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