Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) has quickly become a key consideration in land development and planning. While it’s not yet a legal requirement in Wales or England, the direction of travel is clear—BNG is on its way, and many local planning authorities are already working its principles into planning decisions.
For developers, architects, and project managers working across North Wales, understanding how BNG affects planning risk, project timelines, and ecological deliverables is no longer optional. It’s part of the essential groundwork.
Defining BNG: Policy Context and Planning Implications
Biodiversity Net Gain is both a planning principle and a future legal obligation. The aim is simple: new developments should leave biodiversity in a better state than before.
It follows the mitigation hierarchy—avoid, minimise, restore, and finally offset any losses. In May 2021, BNG was still in the policy phase in England, with the Environment Bill progressing through Parliament. But Welsh planning policy was already reflecting the same thinking. Documents like Planning Policy Wales and Future Wales contained language that echoed BNG principles.
While there was no formal metric or target in place in Wales, many local planning authorities were already asking for:
- Evidence that biodiversity impacts had been properly assessed
- Justification of any habitat loss or fragmentation
- Commitments to biodiversity enhancement or habitat creation
This aligns closely with Section 6 of the Environment (Wales) Act 2016, which places a duty on public bodies—including LPAs—to maintain and enhance biodiversity.
How BNG Is Applied in Practice (Even Before It’s Law)
Even before it becomes a legal obligation, BNG is already shaping how developments are assessed. In our work across North Wales, we’re seeing BNG principles show up in pre-app discussions and planning conditions, particularly for larger or public sector projects.
Consultants and developers are increasingly expected to:
- Map baseline habitat conditions using UKHab or Phase 1 habitat surveys
- Design site layouts to minimise habitat loss or fragmentation
- Demonstrate gains through native planting, habitat creation, or ecological connectivity
Some projects—especially those with central government funding—are even being benchmarked against England’s emerging 10% net gain standard, despite no statutory requirement in Wales yet.
What Local Authorities Are Starting to Expect
In our North Wales project work during 2021, we’ve already seen several planning authorities begin to expect:
- Integrated green infrastructure built into early site design
- LEMPs (Landscape and Ecological Management Plans) that include long-term objectives
- Early ecological input that actively informs design—not just a late-stage survey report
Those projects that treat biodiversity as an add-on often face delays, more planning conditions, or redesigns further down the line.
How Eco-Scope Supports BNG-Led Development
At Eco-Scope, we’ve been planning for the move towards BNG for years. Our ecological services are tailored to support both planning officers and development teams with pragmatic, proportionate solutions.
We provide:
- Baseline ecological assessments with habitat condition scoring
- BNG opportunity mapping to maximise value with minimal disruption
- Clear, structured reporting to support planning submissions and pre-empt conditions
- Habitat creation and mitigation plans based on local ecology and practical delivery
We don’t just flag risks—we work collaboratively with your design team to resolve them.
What You Should Be Doing Now
Even before BNG becomes law, expectations are shifting—and the risk of ignoring them is growing.
If your scheme involves vegetation clearance, greenfield modification, or brownfield sites with habitat value, you should be:
- Engaging an ecologist early—ideally at concept or pre-app stage
- Treating biodiversity as a measurable outcome, not an afterthought
- Allowing for biodiversity delivery in your layout, budget, and timeline
Looking Ahead: Get Ahead of the Curve
BNG isn’t just another hoop to jump through. It’s becoming an embedded part of sustainable development—and a growing priority for both planning authorities and investors.
Working with Eco-Scope helps reduce your project’s planning risk, improves ecological credibility, and ensures you’re not caught out by changing policy. If you’re unsure what this means for your current or upcoming projects, we’re here to help.
Contact our team today to see how early BNG planning can support your scheme.