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Changes to England’s Biodiversity Net Gain requirements took effect on 6 August 2026. They should simplify matters for some smaller developments, but they also remove an exemption previously available to self-build and custom-build schemes. Biodiversity Net Gain, usually referred to as BNG, generally requires qualifying development to achieve at least a 10% increase in biodiversity value. Although the detailed Biodiversity Gain Plan is normally dealt with after permission has

We are pleased to have secured full planning permission for the demolition of existing agricultural buildings and the erection of a new five-bedroom detached dwelling. The scheme represents a successful outcome on a sensitive rural site located within the Green Belt, open countryside, and a Special Landscape Area. The application followed detailed pre-application discussions with the Council and was prepared as a more appropriate alternative to an extant Class Q Prior Appro

The Government has announced proposed changes to Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) that should make the system simpler and more workable for smaller developments. The changes, published on 15 April 2026, are aimed at reducing unnecessary cost, delay and complexity, particularly on minor residential schemes. The most significant proposal is a new exemption for sites of 0.2 hectares or less. In practice, this could remove BNG requirements from around half of residential planning appl