UK businesses across a range of sectors are governed by law to prioritise environmental stewardship, and housebuilding is no exception.
The latest regulation driving this change is the Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), a concept introduced by the Government through Sections 98 and 99 of the Environment Act 2021, which has applied to all Development Consent Orders (DCOs) and Planning Permissions since November 2023.
What does Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) involve?
BNG mandates that developers are required to make the area they are working on at least 10% better for nature than it was before they started. Using Defra’s Biodiversity Metric 3.1, each habitat on a development site is assigned a ‘unit value’ which records its relative biodiversity value pre-development. Once this has been calculated on the site pre-development, it can then be compared to a second measurement taken post-development, where the 10% uplift must apply.
Biodiversity Net Gain must be promoted by developers in a specific order of priority, and it must be maintained for a minimum period of 30 years. This means that any biodiversity units purchased, or on-site BNG developments, must remain undisturbed for that period. Developers must also provide evidence of how the BNG enhancements will be maintained for the full 30 years.
While this focus on sustainability is a crucial step towards a better future, embedding these regulatory requirements into existing business operations while maintaining profitability can be extremely challenging.
In the housing sector, these challenges are compounded by stricter energy efficiency requirements, rising material costs, labour shortages, and increased compliance costs. The current economic climate, with fluctuating housing demand and financial uncertainties, further complicates the situation.
Additionally, the planning and approval process, already prolonged by under-resourced local authorities, will now be further complicated by the introduction of BNG.
BNG is a crucial regulation for securing planning permission, requiring that new housing developments contribute to overall biodiversity gain. To meet these standards, housing developers are now required to conduct comprehensive surveys and create detailed biodiversity gain plans to ensure that their projects leave a positive environmental legacy.
Strategic partnerships
As ARB accredited tree surgeons, we applaud any initiatives that aim to protect the natural environment, but as a business owner, I can also relate to how housing developers must be feeling about the need for further change and additional processes – especially at a time when they are already battling seemingly endless budgetary constraints.
Thankfully, we can offer invaluable help with the Biodiversity Net Gain process by ensuring that all tree and habitat assessments are accurate, comprehensive, and in compliance with the Biodiversity Metric – a statutory tool that calculates biodiversity units and guarantees a minimum 10% net gain.
Partnering with an accredited arboriculturist like us is more than a regulatory necessity; it is a strategic advantage. Proper assessments and well-crafted biodiversity plans can streamline the planning permission process and highlight a developer’s dedication to environmental stewardship.
The role of accredited tree surgeons in complying with BNG
ARB accredited tree surgeons are highly skilled and knowledgeable professionals who are recognised by the Arboricultural Association for their exceptional standards in tree care and management.
While we do not conduct all the required elements of the BNG process ourselves, our expertise significantly enhances quality and accuracy at each stage. By leveraging our extensive professional networks and partnering with subcontractors who specialise in baseline habitat assessments, biodiversity metric calculations, and biodiversity gain plans, we ensure the highest standards are met.
Here’s how we can contribute to the BNG process:
Baseline habitat assessment: Although we do not conduct the surveys ourselves, our in-depth knowledge of a wide variety of trees and the issues affecting their condition and lifecycle is crucial. This information informs the baseline against which biodiversity gains are measured, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
Biodiversity metric calculations: We collaborate closely with experts who perform these calculations. Without our accurate tree assessments and insights, the biodiversity metric calculations would lack the necessary precision.
Development of biodiversity gain plans: We collaborate with ecologists and other environmental professionals to provide the tree-related data and expertise needed to create comprehensive plans for habitat creation and enhancement. Our role is to inform these plans with precise and reliable information about tree health and suitability.
Implementation and monitoring: Post-approval, we play a vital role in implementing the biodiversity gain plans. We ensure that tree planting, habitat restoration, and other enhancement activities are carried out correctly. Additionally, we monitor the progress and health of the newly established habitats to ensure they achieve the desired biodiversity gains.
Long-term maintenance: BNG must be maintained for a minimum period of 30 years. We can provide valuable services in maintaining the land set aside for BNG enhancements over this period. This ensures that biodiversity units remain undisturbed and that the enhancements continue to provide the intended environmental benefits.
In addition to the above, working with an ARB accredited tree surgeon also provides the following benefits:
Expertise and compliance: Accredited tree surgeons are well-versed in the latest regulations and best practices, ensuring that all biodiversity gain plans meet legal requirements.
Quality assurance: Accreditation signifies a commitment to the highest professional standards, giving developers confidence in the quality and reliability of any work undertaken.
Strategic advantage: Proper assessments and biodiversity plans can streamline the planning permission process and demonstrate a developer’s commitment to sustainability, potentially enhancing their reputation and appeal to eco-conscious consumers and stakeholders.
Maintain your competitive edge
In an industry burdened by increasing regulations and challenges, ARB accredited tree surgeons provide essential expertise and support to navigate the requirements of BNG. By partnering with professionals who understand the intricacies of BNG, developers can not only comply with new regulations but also gain a strategic advantage in the competitive housing market.
If you are a developer looking to streamline your planning permission process and enhance your project’s sustainability, contact us today.
Let us help you meet your Biodiversity Net Gain requirements efficiently and effectively, ensuring your development leaves a positive legacy for the environment and your business.