Government expands scope of biodiversity gain to include habitats of lower ecological value

With the introduction of BNG legislation looming, the government has recently announced the expansion of the measures to include habitats of ‘medium’ distinctiveness, however observers highlight that it will come down to local planning authorities as to how strictly it will be enforced.

In an article for Planning Resource, partner Angus Walker comments on the final regulations as published by the government:

‘In publishing final regulations the government has strengthened the biodiversity gain hierarchy so that avoidance or mitigation effects now applies to medium distinctiveness onsite habitats rather than just high distinctiveness habitats. The draft planning practice guidance will need to be amended to reflect this.’

Subscribers can access the full article on the Planning Resource website.

For more information, visit our Biodiversity Net Gain webpage.