Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is a way of creating and improving the state of nature and habitats through planning and development. BNG makes sure new developments have a measurably positive impact ('net gain') on biodiversity, compared to what was there before development.
In England, biodiversity net gain is becoming mandatory under a statutory framework introduced by Schedule 7A of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as inserted by the Environment Act 2021). The government has confirmed that BNG will be mandatory for major development from 12 February 2024 and for small sites from 2 April 2024.
View more information on the BNG policy statement.
View the Biodiversity Net Gain Checklist.