Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is a mandatory requirement for most new developments in England, aiming to leave the natural environment in a measurably better state than before. Lucion’s team of experienced ecologists are here to guide you through the BNG process, from conducting comprehensive biodiversity impact assessments to developing tailored mitigation strategies that unlock opportunities for habitat enhancement and creation.
The UK government’s introduction of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) through the Environment Act 2021 represents a significant shift in how development projects must approach environmental protection and enhancement. Under this new legislation, most new planning applications in England will be required to deliver a minimum 10% net gain in biodiversity.
This means your development project must not only avoid or mitigate any negative impacts on habitats and species but actively create or enhance natural environments to achieve a measurable improvement in biodiversity value. Failure to comply with the BNG requirements could jeopardise your planning approval and lead to costly delays.
That’s where Lucion comes in. We’ll work closely with you, your architects, and planners to incorporate BNG principles into the design and planning process, ensuring your development leaves a positive legacy for the natural environment.
Our BNG services include:
Biodiversity Impact Assessments
Lucion will conduct a comprehensive assessment to quantify the current biodiversity value of your site, using the government’s statutory Biodiversity Metric. We’ll then model the potential impacts of your development proposals, identifying where losses may occur.
Habitat Creation and Enhancement
Drawing on our extensive ecological expertise, we’ll provide recommendations for on-site and off-site habitat creation, restoration, and management to achieve the required 10% net gain. This may include measures like wildlife-friendly landscaping, green roofs, and habitat corridors.
BNG Strategy Development
Lucion will work with you to develop a tailored BNG strategy, exploring the most appropriate and cost-effective solutions to deliver the necessary biodiversity improvements. This may involve a combination of on-site enhancements, off-site habitat creation, and the purchase of statutory biodiversity credits.
Stakeholder Engagement and Approvals
Throughout the process, our ecologists will liaise with local planning authorities and other key stakeholders to ensure your BNG approach satisfies all regulatory requirements. We’ll provide the robust evidence base needed to secure planning approval and demonstrate compliance.
By partnering with Lucion, you can be confident that your development project will not only meet the mandatory BNG standards, but unlock opportunities to enhance the natural environment and contribute to the UK’s ambitious biodiversity goals. As a multidisciplinary organisation, we have a range of expertise to ensure a seamless, cost-effective path to achieving Biodiversity Net Gain.