Biodiversity Net Gain Consultancy

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is a mandatory requirement for most new developments in England, aiming to leave the natural environment in a measurably better state than before. Lucion’s team of experienced ecologists are here to guide you through the BNG process, from conducting comprehensive biodiversity impact assessments to developing tailored mitigation strategies that unlock opportunities for habitat enhancement and creation.

The UK government’s introduction of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) through the Environment Act 2021 represents a significant shift in how development projects must approach environmental protection and enhancement. Under this new legislation, most new planning applications in England will be required to deliver a minimum 10% net gain in biodiversity.

This means your development project must not only avoid or mitigate any negative impacts on habitats and species but actively create or enhance natural environments to achieve a measurable improvement in biodiversity value. Failure to comply with the BNG requirements could jeopardise your planning approval and lead to costly delays.

That’s where Lucion comes in. We’ll work closely with you, your architects, and planners to incorporate BNG principles into the design and planning process, ensuring your development leaves a positive legacy for the natural environment.

Our BNG services include:

Biodiversity Impact Assessments

Lucion will conduct a comprehensive assessment to quantify the current biodiversity value of your site, using the government’s statutory Biodiversity Metric. We’ll then model the potential impacts of your development proposals, identifying where losses may occur.

Habitat Creation and Enhancement

Drawing on our extensive ecological expertise, we’ll provide recommendations for on-site and off-site habitat creation, restoration, and management to achieve the required 10% net gain. This may include measures like wildlife-friendly landscaping, green roofs, and habitat corridors.

BNG Strategy Development

Lucion will work with you to develop a tailored BNG strategy, exploring the most appropriate and cost-effective solutions to deliver the necessary biodiversity improvements. This may involve a combination of on-site enhancements, off-site habitat creation, and the purchase of statutory biodiversity credits.

Stakeholder Engagement and Approvals

Throughout the process, our ecologists will liaise with local planning authorities and other key stakeholders to ensure your BNG approach satisfies all regulatory requirements. We’ll provide the robust evidence base needed to secure planning approval and demonstrate compliance.

By partnering with Lucion, you can be confident that your development project will not only meet the mandatory BNG standards, but unlock opportunities to enhance the natural environment and contribute to the UK’s ambitious biodiversity goals. As a multidisciplinary organisation, we have a range of expertise to ensure a seamless, cost-effective path to achieving Biodiversity Net Gain.

Dan O'Kelly,Unit Director – Environmental Planning

Contact Dan O'Kelly

General enquiries:

Phone: +44 (0)345 5040 303
info@luciongroup.com

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Assured BNG Services

IEMA EIA Quality Mark

Lucion Delta-Simons Ltd has achieved the Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment’s (IEMA) Quality Mark for Environmental Impact Assessment as a large producer of Environmental Statements and Chapters.

Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management

Lucion’s team of Ecologists undergo specialist training and maintain active membership with the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management.

CIWEM Membership

Many of our Water Services Consultants are members of the Chartered Institute of Water and Environmental Management with several of our team holding Chartership status.

Testimonials

Pinnacle sought a partner rather than simply a consultancy service provider. We looked for an organisation that listened carefully to our needs and ideas and provided a choice of added-value solutions. We have been impressed with Lucion Delta-Simons Ltd ability to work closely with us to develop solutions that enable us to consistently deliver against our Client’s objectives.

David Meigh Pinnacle Consulting Engineers Ltd

Biodiversity Net Gain FAQs

When considering Biodiversity Net Gain, the key regulatory requirements you need to navigate include the mandatory 10% net gain requirement, the biodiversity gain hierarchy, and the need to obtain local authority approval for your BNG plans before development can commence. Our Environmental Consultants can provide expert guidance to ensure you understand these regulations and how your project can achieve compliance.

Our team work closely with you, your architects, and planners to incorporate Biodiversity Net Gain principles into the design and planning process. We conduct detailed biodiversity impact assessments, develop tailored habitat creation and enhancement strategies, and liaise with local authorities to secure the necessary approvals.

There is a biodiversity gain hierarchy that developers must follow. First, you should explore opportunities for on-site habitat creation and enhancement. If this is insufficient to achieve the 10% target, you can purchase off-site biodiversity units or, as a last resort, buy statutory biodiversity credits from the government.

Biodiversity value is quantified using the government’s statutory Biodiversity Metric, which assesses factors like habitat type, condition, and ecological connectivity. Our Environmental Consultants will conduct a comprehensive baseline survey of your site, model the potential impacts of your development, and explore solutions to achieve the required 10% net gain.

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is a mandatory requirement for most new developments in England, introduced through the Environment Act 2021. It aims to leave the natural environment in a measurably better state than before, by ensuring development projects deliver a minimum 10% increase in biodiversity value. Failing to comply with BNG could jeopardise your planning approval.