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Q&As
Do I need to submit a biodiversity net gain (BNG) report with my planning application?
Hi there,
Do I need to submit a BNG report with my planning application to sub-divide my existing property into 2 flats and a semi- detached chalet bungalow?
Changes to the existing mature garden/s are minimal and mainly due to planning law requirements, that requires me to provide additional parking spaces, recycling and cycle storage.
One Answer
Hi Penny,
Thank you for your question,
Biodiversity net gain (BNG) is a government policy that requires new developments to improve the natural environment. For smaller developments like yours, it took effect in April last year and it requires developers to deliver a 10% uplift in biodiversity, with the intention that habitats are in a better condition after development than before.
Although the intention was that it should be possible to calculate the BNG requirements yourself, most people use consultants, and this can be expensive.
There are, however, some exemptions to the BNG requirements. There is an exemption for householder developments (like extensions) and also for self-builders.
It sounds like you may be able to take advantage of the ‘de minimis’ exemption, which is for development that impacts less than 25 square metres of habitat and does not impact a priority habitat. If your proposal is a conversion only, and the external changes (the parking, bin store area etc) affect less than 25sqm of habitat, you may fall within this exemption.
To claim the exemption, you or your agent just need to fill in the relevant section of the planning application form when submitting your application.
Hope this helps!
Martin Gaine (Build It’s planning expert)