Biodiversity Gain Plan in London
Do you need a Biodiversity Gain Plan in London before you can start work?
Where Biodiversity Net Gain applies, a Biodiversity Gain Plan becomes the legal document that allows work to begin. We put that plan together clearly, correctly and in a format councils approve, so your project moves ahead.
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Do you need a Biodiversity Gain Plan in London?
In simple terms, you’ll need a Biodiversity Gain Plan for your London site if your planning permission includes a condition linked to Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG). The Biodiversity Gain Plan is the document that shows how the required biodiversity improvement will actually be delivered, how it will be maintained, and who is responsible for it.
Without an approved Biodiversity Gain Plan in place, many developments cannot legally begin, even where planning permission has already been granted.
London planning authorities most frequently request Biodiversity Gain Plan evidence for development affecting:
• Major residential, commercial and mixed-use schemes across Opportunity Areas and regeneration zones
• Brownfield redevelopment sites, including former industrial land and rail-adjacent plots
• Transport-led projects linked to strategic road upgrades, rail corridors and infrastructure improvements
• Green infrastructure, river corridors and urban fringe land connecting to the wider ecological network
Where BNG submissions are incomplete or unclear, applications are commonly delayed or conditioned during determination.
We provide Biodiversity Gain Plan services across Greater London, including all boroughs, surrounding districts, and neighbouring urban and suburban areas.
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Why Planning Authorities in London Request a Biodiversity Gain Plan
Planning Authorities across London require a Biodiversity Gain Plan because Biodiversity Net Gain is now a legal requirement under the Environment Act 2021 and must be formally secured through the planning system. The Plan provides the legally enforceable route for delivering and maintaining biodiversity improvements linked to a specific permission. Without an approved Biodiversity Gain Plan, the BNG condition cannot be lawfully discharged, and development cannot commence on site.
Local Case Insight
How the Biodiversity Gain Plan Process Works
We prepare compliant, planning-ready Biodiversity Gain Plans that meet London’s policy requirements and keep your BNG on track.
Key BGP Deliverables for London Projects
Your Biodiversity Gain Plan is structured to meet London’s planning requirements and typically includes:
Habitat delivery strategy — how and where biodiversity uplift will be achieved
Mapped habitat parcels — legally reliable plans linking habitats to the approved metric
Optional integration with a Habitat Management & Monitoring Plan (HMMP) where 30-year management is required
Submission-ready planning document — formatted for Local Planning Authority approval
This ensures your BNG condition in London can be discharged cleanly and lawfully.
Step 1
Initial review
We assess your existing BNG assessment, site layout and planning condition.
Step 2
Plan preparation
Habitat delivery proposals, mapping and management requirements are drafted.
Step 3
Coordination stage
The plan is aligned with your build programme and any wider ecological or planning documents.
Step 4
Submission and support
 We respond to any LPA queries or amendments required.
Next Steps
Ready to secure approval and start on site? We’ll confirm what your London site needs and help you move forward without unnecessary delay.Â
FAQ - BGP in London
Is a Biodiversity Gain Plan required for development in London?
Yes. Where development falls within the statutory scope of Biodiversity Net Gain legislation, a Biodiversity Gain Plan must demonstrate at least 10 percent measurable uplift compared to the approved baseline habitat value. This applies across all London boroughs.
How does the Urban Greening Factor interact with Biodiversity Net Gain?
London boroughs often apply Urban Greening Factor requirements in addition to statutory Biodiversity Net Gain. The Biodiversity Gain Plan must remain consistent with Urban Greening proposals while separately demonstrating compliance with the Biodiversity Metric.
Do high rise or airspace developments require Biodiversity Net Gain?
Yes. Vertical extensions or airspace developments are assessed based on baseline habitat conditions. The Biodiversity Gain Plan must quantify any habitat loss and confirm compliant uplift, even where ground level land is limited.
How are estate regeneration schemes treated?
Large estate regeneration projects must demonstrate how biodiversity uplift is delivered across open space, landscaping and roof level habitats. The Biodiversity Gain Plan must align with the approved masterplan and phasing strategy.
How do basement developments affect Biodiversity Net Gain calculations?
Extensive basements can reduce available soil depth and planting potential. The Biodiversity Gain Plan must reflect realistic habitat delivery and may require off site biodiversity units to achieve compliance.
Which authorities approve Biodiversity Gain Plans in London?
Each London borough acts as its own Local Planning Authority. This may include boroughs such as Camden Council, Westminster City Council, Croydon Council or others depending on location.
Planning guidance for Camden Council can be accessed at:
https://www.camden.gov.uk/planning
Can roof terraces and podium decks contribute to Biodiversity Net Gain?
Yes. Roof and podium habitats can contribute to measurable uplift if designed with appropriate substrate depth, planting composition and long term securing arrangements. The Biodiversity Gain Plan must quantify these habitats correctly.
Are small infill schemes in London exempt from Biodiversity Net Gain?
Not automatically. Developers must assess whether the proposal falls within statutory scope. If it does, a Biodiversity Gain Plan demonstrating 10 percent uplift will be required prior to commencement.
What are common approval risks in London Biodiversity Gain Plans?
Risks include overestimating roof habitat areas, inconsistencies between architectural drawings and metric outputs and failure to demonstrate long term securing mechanisms.
How can ProHort support Biodiversity Gain Plan submissions in London?
ProHort prepares technically compliant Biodiversity Gain Plans tailored to London’s dense urban and borough specific planning context. We ensure accurate metric modelling, realistic vertical habitat proposals and clear securing mechanisms to minimise pre commencement delay.
