Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Assessments

Statutory 10%+ net gain metric calculations, UKHab baseline mapping, and 30-year Habitat Management Plans across the West Midlands.

Mandatory BNG Compliance for UK Planning Approval

Under the Environment Act 2021, almost all new developments in England—including minor sites and major commercial projects—must demonstrate a minimum 10% Biodiversity Net Gain to secure planning consent.

BNG is measured using the government’s official Statutory Biodiversity Metric. We conduct baseline field surveys, calculate your site score, and design pragmatic mitigation strategies that satisfy Local Planning Authority (LPA) requirements without overcomplicating your development budget.

Key Benefits:

Statutory Metric Accuracy: Calculated using the latest Natural England Statutory Metric or Small Sites Metric (SSM).
Cost-Conscious Design:We prioritize on-site habitat retention and enhancement to avoid costly off-site unit purchases.
30-Year HMMP Plans: Comprehensive, LPA-compliant Habitat Management and Monitoring Plans tailored to your site maintenance setup.

What Your BNG Assessment Includes

UKHab Baseline Habitat Mapping

Detailed site walkover using the UK Habitat Classification (UKHab) system to identify baseline habitat types and assign condition scores.

Statutory Metric Calculations

Official Defra metric scoring comparing baseline ecological units against post-development site layout plans.

Small Sites Metric (SSM)

Streamlined, rapid-turnaround BNG assessments specifically tailored for small residential or commercial developments.

Biodiversity Gain Plans (BGP)

Comprehensive BGP reporting required by local councils prior to the commencement of on-site development.

30-Year HMMP Drafting

Practical Habitat Management and Monitoring Plans outlining realistic long-term maintenance schedules and monitoring intervals.

Off-Site Units & Credit Advice

Clear guidance on sourcing off-site habitat gains or statutory credits if achieving 10% on-site isn’t feasible.

The 4-Step BNG Process

Baseline Survey:

We visit your site to record existing UKHab habitats and assign baseline condition scores.

Metric Run:

We analyze your proposed site plans through the statutory metric calculator.

Design Optimization:

We collaborate with your architect or planning agent to optimize landscaping for maximum unit yield.

Final Report:

You receive the complete BNG Report, Metric File, and HMMP ready for council submission.

The BNG Mitigation Hierarchy

Protecting Your Project Budget Early

Achieving 10% BNG does not have to be expensive. By involving an ecologist early in the masterplanning stage, you can avoid high-value habitat loss. Retaining mature features on-site dramatically reduces the number of replacement habitat units required, saving time and money on off-site gains.

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