Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) in Shrewsbury
Developing or submitting a planning application in Shrewsbury 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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Do you need a Biodiversity Net Gain Assessment in Shrewsbury?
Biodiversity Net Gain is now a mandatory part of the planning system for most developments in Shrewsbury. The principle is straightforward: a project must demonstrate that the site will deliver an overall improvement in biodiversity compared with its starting condition. Planning authorities will not validate many applications without clear and correctly presented BNG evidence, and missing information often leads to further delays later in the process.
Planning officers in Shrewsbury often request Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) information where development may impact important habitat networks. Typical situations include:
River and canal corridors, particularly along the River Severn and associated tributaries
Former industrial or brownfield sites that have naturally developed early-stage habitats
Urban greenspaces, including parks, woodland fragments, and hedgerow networks that support local wildlife movement
Valley systems and transport corridors, which function as ecological linkages across the town
Providing clear, well-structured BNG evidence is essential, as incomplete or unclear submissions can lead to validation issues or delays in the planning process.
We support development projects across Shrewsbury and the surrounding area, including the town centre, Abbey Foregate, Meole Brace, Belle Vue, Harlescott, Monkmoor, Sutton Farm, Castlefields, and Radbrook, as well as neighbouring villages within the Shropshire Council boundary.
Why planning authorities in Shrewsbury request a BNG
Councils in Shrewsbury look for BNG information at an early stage so they can be confident that your scheme will achieve the required ten percent increase in biodiversity before the layout is finalised. To satisfy this, they need a verified baseline, a completed Metric that shows the change in biodiversity units, and a clear approach for how the gain will be delivered and secured. These steps follow the expectations of NPPF Section 15 and ensure your BNG position is robust during planning.
Having the baseline confirmed early removes the risk of later reclassification and helps protect your programme from avoidable delays.
Local Case Insight
How the BNG process works
We produce planning-ready BNG Assessments aligned to Shrewsbury policy expectations.
Key BNG Deliverables for Shrewsbury Projects
For developments in Shrewsbury, our Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments provide the key information that planning officers typically require. Each assessment includes:
a verified UKHab habitat baseline
a clearly evidenced Biodiversity Metric calculation
a practical net gain delivery strategy tailored to the site
planning-ready reporting suitable for application validation
optional long-term management and biodiversity gain plan documentation
This structured approach aligns with the expectations of Shropshire Council and offers a proportionate, site-specific route to demonstrating BNG for a wide range of development types.
Step 1
Habitat baseline surveys
Year-round, with optimal survey seasons
Step 2
Metric 1.0.4 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 Shrewsbury site requires. We provide a planning-ready, proportionate route forward.
FAQ - BNG in Greater Shrewsbury
Do I need a BNG Assessment for development in Shrewsbury?
Yes. Most developments in Shrewsbury now require BNG to show a measurable increase in biodiversity. Shrewsbury Council will not validate many applications without it.
You can review local planning guidance here:
Shropshire Council – Planning Policy and Local Planning (policy documents, local plan info)
https://www.shropshire.gov.uk/planning-policy/local-planning/ Shropshire CouncilShropshire Council – Planning and Development FAQs / Planning Advice (general planning information and contacts)
https://next.shropshire.gov.uk/planning-and-development/planning/faqs/ Shropshire CouncilShrewsbury Town Council – Planning (local planning decisions and comments before Shropshire Council determination)
https://www.shrewsburytowncouncil.gov.uk/planning-landing/ Shrewsbury Town Council
When should I commission a BNG Assessment in Shrewsbury?
As early as possible. Early baseline work prevents redesign later and gives the planning team confidence that the scheme can meet the ten percent uplift.
What local features often trigger BNG requirements in Shrewsbury?
Sites near canals, river valleys, former industrial land, railway corridors, and urban greenspace commonly need detailed BNG evidence.
Can small sites in Shrewsbury be exempt from BNG?
Only in limited situations defined by national policy. Most urban sites still fall within the requirement even when habitat cover is low.
What if my Shrewsbury site cannot achieve ten percent uplift on the land available?
Off site units can be purchased if the 10% cannot be achieved on site. We can assist with this, ensuring you get your planning permission.
How long does a BNG Assessment take in Shrewsbury?
Straightforward sites are often completed quickly. More complex urban schemes may require further information or design input.
