4 June 2025The government has published two related consultations proposing changes to the operation of biodiversity net gain (BNG).
- The first looks at the implementation of BNG for nationally significant infrastructure projects (NSIPs). One of the main proposals is to delay its implementation for NSIPs for about six months until May 2026.
- The second consultation looks at the implementation of BNG for minor, medium and brownfield development and includes options aimed improving this.
SLCC intends to respond to both consultations. If you would like to contribute to our response, please send your comments by email to Andrew Towlerton, SLCC National Planning Advisor, at [email protected] or Andrew Maliphant, SLCC Environmental and Sustainability Advisor at [email protected] by close of play Monday 14 July 2025.
More information about the first consultation, which closes on 24 July 2025, can be found here.
The second consultation, which also closes on 24 July 2025, can be found here.
BNG is a way of creating and improving natural habitats. BNG makes sure qualifying development has a measurably positive impact (‘net gain’, normally of at least 10%) on biodiversity, compared to what was there before development. It only applies in England.
NSIPs are officially recognised large scale major development projects in England and Wales such as roads, reservoirs, railway lines, airports, power generating stations etc.
