DEVELOPERS
We combine ecological expertise with commercial awareness to deliver practical, cost-effective BNG strategies and support developers through the planning process.
If you need to purchase biodiversity units for your development, we can supply them through our habitat banks.
✓ BNG strategies for planning applications
✓ Ecology and planning expertise
✓ Secure off-site biodiversity units
✓ Straightforward route to Biodiversity Gain Condition discharge
What does BNG mean for developers?
Where statutory Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) applies in England, developments must achieve at least a 10% increase in biodiversity value, measured using the statutory biodiversity metric.
BNG accounts for habitat losses and gains to demonstrate an overall improvement. We help developers address impacts on existing habitats and plan suitable habitat creation and enhancement, on-site, off-site or through a combination of both.
For developers, it’s about designing with nature in mind — meeting planning rules while creating lasting environmental value.
Through considering a project's BNG strategy at the outset, developers can optimise their project with the opportunity to be creative about incorporating nature, making developments more attractive for potential residents, end users and the local community and making BNG easier and more cost-effective to deliver.
How we work with developers
Navigating BNG requirements can be complex — that’s where we come in.
Whether you’re preparing your planning application or meeting post-consent commitments, we can help you achieve your BNG targets efficiently, ensuring your developments remain compliant, deliver lasting environmental benefits and meet your commercial goals.
From site assessments and feasibility studies to optimising layouts, obtaining planning approval, implementing BNG and long-term management, we provide practical solutions and expert guidance at every stage of the process.
Our team can help you find off-site biodiversity units where needed and ensure all BNG requirements are met efficiently and effectively. By working with us, you can be confident your project will not only meet legal obligations but also deliver lasting environmental value and positive biodiversity results.
BNG delivery options for developers
Developers can meet BNG requirements through a range of strategic options, which may be combined to meet legal requirements.
We identify a practical, cost-effective approach that follows the biodiversity gain hierarchy applicable to the development.
On-Site Habitats
Protect existing habitats and incorporate habitat creation and enhancement into the development’s landscape design.
Create your Own Off-Site Biodiversity Units
Create or enhance habitats on other land you own, with the resulting biodiversity gains legally secured, registered and allocated to your development.
Purchase Off-Site Biodiversity Units from Habitat Banks
Purchase suitable biodiversity units from a habitat bank or other provider, with the biodiversity gains legally secured, registered and allocated to your development.
4. Statutory Biodiversity Credits
Where suitable on-site or off-site solutions are unavailable, statutory biodiversity credits can be purchased from the government as a last resort.
The BNG process for developers
We use our multidisciplinary expertise to offer a fully integrated joined-up approach to the design and implementation of BNG for your site.
We work with developers at every stage of the BNG process, from initial feasibility, site layout and overall strategy to pre- and post-planning and legal requirements, habitat creation and long-term monitoring and reporting of habitat works.
1
Establish if BNG Applies
2
Site Feasibility
3
Baseline Assessments & Statutory Metric
4
Site Design & Development of BNG Strategy
5
Planning Submission
6
Post Planning Services
7
Monitoring and Reporting of Habitat Works
Practical guidance at every stage.
Services
Pre-Planning
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Initial screening and confirming BNG applicability
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Site exemption statement
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Desktop feasibility assessment
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Baseline habitat survey and condition assessment
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Baseline UK habitat plan
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Baseline and final statutory biodiversity metric calculation
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Ecological assessment
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Protected species survey
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Work with project team to determine the best site layout
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Baseline UKHab plan showing existing habitats
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Proposed UKHab plan showing habitat retention, creation and enhancement
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Statutory biodiversity metric calculations assessing baseline value and proposed gains, updated as the design develops
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BNG summary report
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Ongoing support during the planning application
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Proposed landscape masterplan & detailed planting plans
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Draft habitat management and monitoring plan (HMMP)
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Tree survey, arboricultural impact assessment and arboricultural method statement, tree protection plan
Post-Planning
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Biodiversity gain plan with supporting documentation
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Final proposed UKHab plan supporting the biodiversity gain plan
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Final statutory biodiversity metric calculations, including any off-site provision
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Habitat management and monitoring plan (HMMP) for significant on-site habitat enhancement and/or creation
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Habitat banking support for off-site land
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Habitat monitoring survey and condition assessment
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BNG audit report and remedial recommendations