Biodiversity Gain Plan in Sussex
Do you need a Biodiversity Gain Plan in Sussex 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 Sussex?
In simple terms, you’ll need a Biodiversity Gain Plan for your Sussex 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.
In Sussex, planning officers regularly seek formal Biodiversity Gain Plan evidence for development affecting:
• Strategic housing growth and mixed-use schemes around Crawley, Horsham, Worthing and coastal growth areas
• Brownfield redevelopment sites within Brighton, Eastbourne and former employment land along the coast
• Infrastructure and transport-related schemes connected to the A27, A23, rail corridors and Gatwick-linked development
• Greenfield boundaries, downland margins and farmland adjacent to the South Downs National Park and rural settlements
Incomplete or incorrectly presented BNG documentation commonly results in validation delays or post-approval conditions.
We provide Biodiversity Gain Plan services across Brighton, Hove, Worthing, Crawley, Horsham, Eastbourne, Hastings, Lewes, Chichester and all surrounding towns and rural areas across Sussex.
Why Planning Authorities in Sussex Request a Biodiversity Gain Plan
Planning Authorities across Sussex 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 Sussex’s policy requirements and keep your BNG on track.
Key BGP Deliverables for Sussex Projects
Your Biodiversity Gain Plan is structured to meet Sussex’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 Sussex 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 Sussex site needs and help you move forward without unnecessary delay.
FAQ - BGP in Sussex
What will planning authorities in Sussex scrutinise within a Biodiversity Gain Plan?
Local Planning Authorities across East Sussex, West Sussex and Brighton and Hove will scrutinise whether the Biodiversity Gain Plan clearly demonstrates a minimum 10 percent Biodiversity Net Gain, aligns with the approved Biodiversity Metric and provides secure delivery mechanisms. Particular attention is often given to habitat distinctiveness and long term securing arrangements.
Does development within the South Downs National Park require a Biodiversity Gain Plan?
Yes. Development within or affecting the South Downs National Park must still comply with statutory Biodiversity Net Gain legislation. The Biodiversity Gain Plan must demonstrate ecological uplift that is compatible with protected landscape character and sensitive chalk habitats.
How do chalk grassland habitats influence Biodiversity Gain Plans in Sussex?
Chalk grassland is a high distinctiveness habitat. Where present, baseline calculations may be significant. The Biodiversity Gain Plan must ensure that losses are properly accounted for and that proposed habitats are ecologically realistic and deliverable within Sussex soil conditions.
Are coastal developments treated differently?
Coastal developments must still achieve 10 percent Biodiversity Net Gain. However, habitat proposals must be suited to saline influence, exposure and local ecological context. Unrealistic habitat types can lead to delay at approval stage.
How does nutrient neutrality interact with a Biodiversity Gain Plan?
In certain parts of Sussex where nutrient neutrality requirements apply, developers must ensure that biodiversity proposals do not conflict with nutrient mitigation measures. The Biodiversity Gain Plan and nutrient strategy should be technically consistent.
Can Biodiversity Net Gain be delivered partly off site in Sussex?
Yes. Where on site delivery is constrained, off site biodiversity units may be used. The Biodiversity Gain Plan must confirm that these units are properly registered and legally secured in accordance with statutory requirements.
What is the difference between a Biodiversity Gain Plan and a Landscape and Ecological Management Plan?
A Biodiversity Gain Plan confirms how the statutory uplift will be achieved and secured prior to commencement. A Landscape and Ecological Management Plan addresses detailed long term management. The two documents serve different but related functions.
Can a Biodiversity Gain Plan affect development viability in Sussex?
Yes. Sites with high baseline habitat value may require significant habitat retention or off site unit purchase to achieve 10 percent uplift. Early metric calculation is essential to avoid viability issues later in the planning process.
Which authorities approve Biodiversity Gain Plans in Sussex?
The relevant Local Planning Authority approves the Biodiversity Gain Plan. This may include district councils such as Mid Sussex District Council or Arun District Council, Brighton and Hove City Council, or the South Downs National Park Authority depending on site location. Planning guidance for Brighton and Hove can be accessed at:
https://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/planning
How can ProHort support Biodiversity Gain Plan approval in Sussex?
ProHort prepares technically robust Biodiversity Gain Plans aligned with Sussex planning authority expectations. We ensure metric compliance, habitat realism and clear securing mechanisms to reduce approval delays and pre commencement risk.
