BNG update: Government moves to simplify rules for smaller sites

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 applications, provided the site does not affect priority habitats such as native hedgerows. The current self-build and custom-build exemption is also expected to be removed, as many of those schemes would instead fall within the new size threshold.

Another important change is that, for minor development, applicants may be able to rely on off-site biodiversity units rather than having to maximise on-site provision first. This should help smaller developers avoid long-term habitat management obligations and give greater cost certainty where on-site delivery is impractical. Temporary permissions of up to five years are also proposed to be exempt.

The Government also proposes to simplify the spatial risk rules by aligning them with Local Nature Recovery Strategy areas only. That should widen the pool of off-site units available to developers and reduce some of the price pressure caused by the current geographic restrictions.

For now, the existing BNG rules remain in force until the legislation is changed, with the suggestion being that the changes will be enacted by the end of July 2026. Any current permission with a BNG condition will still require the usual approvals, including a Biodiversity Gain Plan and, where relevant, habitat management and monitoring measures before development can begin.

Why this matters

These proposals are a clear move towards a more practical BNG regime. For many smaller schemes, they should mean lower costs, less delivery risk and more flexibility in how biodiversity requirements are met. They may also reduce the administrative burden on local authorities and make it easier to progress minor development without unnecessary delay.

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