With Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) legislation now in effect since early 2024, developers across England are navigating its requirements and implications. At Meadfleet, as an open space management company, we’re closely following the evolving landscape. Our Ecology and Operations teams have been actively supporting developer partners and preparing solutions to meet the long-term management demands of BNG.
In this article, we provide an overview of the BNG framework and share our top tips to help developers implement it successfully.
What is Biodiversity Net Gain?
Biodiversity Net Gain is a planning requirement designed to ensure that development projects leave the natural environment in a measurably better state than before. It became mandatory in England in February 2024 (with some exceptions) as part of the Environment Act 2021.
At its core, BNG requires a minimum 10% gain in biodiversity value, measured over a 30-year period. This is assessed using a statutory biodiversity metric that compares the pre-development habitat quality and distinctiveness with what is proposed post-development.
BNG follows a mitigation hierarchy:
- Avoid or minimise harm to existing habitats.
- Enhance or restore biodiversity on site.
- If onsite delivery isn’t possible, create or enhance habitats offsite.
- As a last resort, developers may purchase statutory biodiversity credits from the government (priced higher than market-based options to discourage overuse).
BNG is enforced by Local Planning Authorities (LPAs), who require that a Biodiversity Gain Plan is submitted and approved before development can begin.
The BNG Process – Step-by-Step
To comply with BNG requirements, the following process must be followed:
- Conduct a biodiversity baseline assessment of the site.
- Design the development layout and assess BNG viability.
- Determine whether the 10% gain can be achieved onsite or if offsite solutions are required.
- If offsite, identity suitable biodiversity units or purchase statutory credits.
- Submit the Biodiversity Gain Plan to the LPA for approval.
- Once approved, implement the new or enhanced habitats.
- Manage and monitor habitats for a minimum of 30 years.
- Provide regular reporting to the LPA throughout the management period.
Planning applications must now include:
- Confirmation the development is subject to BNG
- The site’s pre-development biodiversity value (e.g. ecology survey)
- A completed biodiversity metric calculation
- Habitat plans showing existing and proposed conditions
- Accurate assessment dates and supporting documentation
Top Tips for Successful BNG Implementation
- Engage early with key stakeholders – Include ecologists, planners, landscape architects, and LPAs at the early stages of site planning.
- Test layouts using the biodiversity metric – Trial different designs to understand what achieves the greatest biodiversity gain with the best value.
- Consider additional land options – Purchasing adjacent or nearby land can help deliver required units and achieve compliance if onsite opportunities are limited.
- Promote BNG benefits to all stakeholders – From site managers and contractors to homebuyers and sales teams, ensure everyone understands the value and purpose of BNG. Open spaces enriched for biodiversity should be promoted as attractive feature for buyers. Retained habitats will need to be protected during construction.
- Plan for long-term management from the outset – Identify who will manage the habitats for the 30-year period and how it will be funded. Consider a provider that can offer advice throughout the planning process and is able to manage all habitat enhancements, management, monitoring and reporting for the 30 years.
How Meadfleet Can Help
Meadfleet offers a comprehensive management service for Biodiversity Net Gain, designed to support developers through every stage of the process and throughout the 30-year management period.
Our BNG offer includes:
- In-house ecologists to provide advice during design, planning, and implementation
- No additional cost to residents for monitoring and reporting obligations
- Specialist expertise in adaptive habitat management to ensure success over time
- Full accountability upon land transfer
- Flexible funding options:
- Resident contribution model (for onsite delivery)
- Commuted sum model (for offsite BNG)
- Support for community engagement, helping you promote the benefits of BNG to homebuyers through education, events, and communications
Final Thoughts
Biodiversity Net Gain presents both a regulatory obligation and an exciting opportunity for developers to contribute positively to the natural environment. With the right approach and early planning, it can be integrated smoothly into development projects—and even become a selling point for future homeowners.
If you’re planning a development and want to ensure BNG compliance and long-term success, get in touch with Meadfleet. We’re here to help you meet your goals while enhancing nature for generations to come.
To read more visit:
Future Homes Hub BNG Good Practice Guidance
Engaging People for Biodiversity Net Gain
About Meadfleet
Meadfleet are a leading sustainable land-adopting management company. We have in-house ecologists with expertise in the BNG metric and are already applying the principles of Biodiversity Net Gain across our existing open space portfolio in England and Wales. Established in 1995, Meadfleet manage over 330 developments and 42,000 residential properties in our portfolio, with a strong balance sheet.
Meadfleet offers management of Biodiversity Net Gain delivery both on a managed development and on offsite areas, either via customer contributions or commuted sums. Our adoption model relieves developers of ongoing liabilities and management costs.
The Meadfleet model removes onerous liabilities from homeowners yet still encourages their input and engagement into the management of their local environment. We are committed to providing an excellent service to residents as demonstrated by our Excellent rating on Trustpilot and are members of The Property Ombudsman Scheme (TPOS), offering customers free, independent redress should they feel it is required. We are happy to work with residents groups and positively encourage the creation of these on the developments we are involved with. We believe this opens an effective two-way dialogue between homeowners and ourselves.
As a land-adopting management company, Meadfleet take long-term responsibility of open space, building customer and community relations and implementing perpetual management and improvement plans. We take a holistic and independent approach to managing areas of open space for the benefit of all residents, biodiversity and the wider environment.