On the 27th July, the government announced that further support will be made available through the implementation of Biodiversity Net Gain. Biodiversity Net Gain was developed in order to inhibit species decline by 2030 by providing new green spaces when building infrastructure with the purpose of benefitting people and nature. Biodiversity Net Gain aims to leave the environment, where development is taking place, in a better condition than it was before any development took place. For example, building new housing along with a new habitat for the wildlife that previously occupied the area.
£9 million funding
In the announcement, over £9 million is set to be available to local authorities, providing them with support for recruitment of ecologists in order to heighten the benefits of the habitats being created alongside the process of building infrastructure. Individuals are now being encouraged to apply for ‘responsible body status’ which permits successful applicants to be entered into agreements with landowners to carry out this form of environmental conservation. These legal agreements are named conservation covenants, which are voluntary agreements which ultimately support individuals maintaining conservation of the environment, which includes Biodiversity Net Gain.
Biodiversity Net Gain only relates to new planning permission applications. Currently, the government has confirmed £9.61 million of funding this year, until April 2024. In February, £6.16 million was confirmed, coming to a total of £15.776 million available.
Biodiversity Net Gain Units
Biodiversity Net Gain will apply to any land managers, developers, and local authorities. Land managers can be paid by selling biodiversity units. Further information on biodiversity units can be found here https://www.gov.uk/guidance/understanding-biodiversity-net-gain. Developers must aim to avoid damaging habitats where development is taking place. If habitats are lost, this is when a new habitat must be made. This can be created on or off-site, and if this is not possible, statutory credits must be purchased from the government. The government will then use this money to create habitat in another location in England. Local planning authorities will also be involved, as they must approve any developments with a biodiversity net gain beforehand.
Biodiversity Net Gain ultimately provides methods to enhance the natural environment whilst simultaneously utilizing land for development purposes. The aim is to ensure the wildlife and environment’s condition is improved prior to any development taking place.
If you would like to apply for ‘responsible body status’ or would like further information about Biodiversity Net Gain, please do not hesitate to contact our team. Contact your local office today on:
Julia looks after all of our marketing communications, printed material, design, branding, publications, digital marketing and advertising. She has worked across a number of industries in marketing roles and outside of work, if usually found on a netball court or coaching from the side lines.
