What is a Biodiversity Net Gain Assessment?
Biodiversity Net Gain Assessments in Yorkshire have been implemented to aid the recovery of nature. This initiative follows the release of the State of Nature report, which revealed a 13% decline in average wildlife across the UK since the 1970s. As a result, Biodiversity Net Gain Assessments in Yorkshire and beyond are now in place to ensure that wildlife habitats are left in a better state than before development.
Why are Biodiversity Net Gain Assessments in Yorkshire Required?
Biodiversity Net Gain Assessments in Yorkshire are essential to protect and enhance the region’s natural environment. BNG assessments in Yorkshire help ensure that developments contribute positively to biodiversity rather than causing further loss.
Key Reasons for BNG in Yorkshire:
– Environmental Protection – Yorkshire is home to diverse habitats, from moorlands to wetlands, which need safeguarding.
– Legal Compliance – Under the Environment Act 2021, developers must deliver a 10% net gain in biodiversity.
– Sustainable Development – BNG ensures that construction projects enhance wildlife habitats rather than degrade them.
– Climate Resilience – Healthier ecosystems help combat climate change by improving carbon sequestration and flood management.
By implementing Biodiversity Net Gain Assessments, Yorkshire can continue to develop while ensuring that nature thrives for future generations.
Does it matter what size my development is?
As of April 2nd, 2024, Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) has become a mandatory requirement for both major and small-scale developments. This change ensures that new developments contribute positively to local ecosystems, leaving biodiversity in a better state than before.
Major developments include residential projects with 10 or more dwellings or developments on land exceeding 0.5 hectares. These larger projects have a significant impact on the environment, making BNG assessments essential for mitigating any potential loss of natural habitats.
Small site developments also fall under the new requirements. This category includes residential projects with 1 to 9 dwellings, as well as those on sites smaller than 0.5 hectares. For commercial developments, BNG applies if the new floor space being created is less than 1,000 square metres or if the total site area is under 1 hectare.
As a result, Biodiversity Net Gain Assessments in Yorkshire will now be required for nearly all new planning applications, with some exceptions. These assessments play a crucial role in ensuring sustainable development while protecting and enhancing local wildlife and habitats.
Exclusions for Biodiversity Net Gain Assessments in Yorkshire:
Exclusions for Biodiversity Net Gain Assessments in Yorkshire include several types of developments. These assessments are not required for retrospective planning permission requests or planning applications submitted before February 12, 2024. Additionally, applications to vary a planning condition on planning permissions granted before that date are excluded.
Biodiversity Net Gain Assessments are also not necessary for development works that do not impact a priority habitat and affect less than 25 square metres of non-priority habitat, or where the development impacts no more than 5 metres of non-priority linear habitat. Furthermore, the development of an existing property is excluded, unless there is a change in its use or an increase in the number of dwellings.
Small-scale self-build projects, which consist of no more than 9 dwellings, are also excluded, provided they are carried out on a site no larger than 0.5 hectares and consist solely of self-built dwellings. Development on biodiversity gain sites, specifically designed to enhance biodiversity on behalf of other developments or to provide public access for educational or recreational purposes without charging a fee, is also exempt. Finally, developments that are part of or ancillary to the High-Speed Transport Network do not require a BNG assessment.
These exclusions help to streamline the process for certain developments while ensuring that more impactful projects contribute positively to local biodiversity
Book your Biodiversity Net Gain Assessments in Yorkshire with us:
At ProHort Ltd, we are passionate about helping developers, landowners, and organizations achieve Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) in line with current environmental regulations. Whether you are planning a new development or managing existing land, our team of experienced ecologists and horticultural specialists can provide a comprehensive Biodiversity Net Gain Assessment tailored to your site in Yorkshire.
We would love to assist you with your Biodiversity Net Gain Assessment in Yorkshire. Call us today on 01782 479 479 or complete our online contact form. Alternatively, you can email us at [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you!
