海角视频

Biodiversity Net Gain聽(BNG)聽in England is changing from 6 August 2026.聽For developers, now is聽the time聽to understand what is changing and how it could affect current and future planning applications.聽

Defra has confirmed amendments to mandatory BNG. The changes will apply to all new planning applications submitted from 6 August. Applications submitted before this date will remain under the current rules, with no opportunity to adopt the new requirements through Section 73 or other amendments.

The key changes: 

• A new exemption for developments of 0.2 hectares or below, provided there is no adverse impact on onsite priority habitat.

• A new exemption for temporary development where the entire scheme is time-limited (five years or less) and the land is fully reinstated within that period, with no impact on priority habitats.

• A change to the biodiversity gain hierarchy for minor developments. Onsite habitat creation and enhancement are now given equal weighting to registered offsite gains, supporting more proportionate and deliverable solutions.

• Removal of the self-build and custom build exemption for applications submitted after 6 August.聽聽

What this means in practice

For some smaller sites, BNG requirements may become more straightforward. Temporary schemes may also benefit from a clearer route where impacts are genuinely short term and land can be reinstated within five years.

However, exemptions are not automatic. Application date, red line boundary, presence of priority habitat, duration of permission, and any link to an existing consent can all influence whether BNG applies. Each site will still require careful, case-by-case assessment. Hedgerows, in particular, often qualify as priority habitat and may trigger requirements. It is also important to note that the 0.2 hectare exemption does not replace the existing de minimis exemption.

For minor developments that remain in scope, the updated hierarchy could be particularly beneficial. It offers more realistic delivery options, especially on constrained sites where onsite habitat creation or enhancement is limited.

Further changes are expected. These include potential exemptions for developments primarily focused on conserving or enhancing biodiversity, and for improvements to parks, playing fields and public gardens. Updates to the statutory biodiversity metric are also anticipated, particularly in how urban habitats are assessed at baseline and post-development.

BNG will also extend to Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects from November 2026, making 2027 a key year for understanding how the next phase of BNG is implemented in practice.

What developers should do now

The key message is clear: do not assume a scheme is exempt, and do not leave BNG considerations until late in the planning process.

Early ecological input can help confirm whether BNG applies, identify site constraints, and shape practical delivery strategies before designs are fixed. It also enables biodiversity to be integrated into the design process from the outset, supporting better outcomes for projects, communities and nature.

海角视频鈥檚 Nature and Biodiversity team supports clients across the full BNG journey, from early feasibility and site appraisal through to strategy, planning submission and delivery. If you are considering how these changes could affect a live or upcoming project, we would be happy to discuss this with you.