Biodiversity Net Gain

27 September 2023 – Government announces timetable for implementation of biodiversity net gain¹

Government announces a delay in the implementation of biodiversity net gain, shifting from November 2023 to January 2024. Allowing time for legislation to be laid and guidance to be published around November. 

26 October 2023 – Draft biodiversity gain plan guidance released² 

Government releases the draft template for the biodiversity gain plan, including details surrounding when it will be submitted. 

29 November 2023 – Detailed government guidance released³ 

Government have released detailed guidance for developers, land mappers and local authorities. Stating who will be affected by the new BNG rules, how biodiversity will be measured and how a net gain can be achieved. 

19 January 2024 – Legislation laid before parliament⁴ 

Government have laid legislation confirming the date that BNG rules will be enforced from (12^th February 2024).

12 February 2024 - Biodiversity net gain rules become active

The biodiversity net gain legislation now applies to development in England unless specifically exempt.

2 April 2024 - Small sites exemption is removed⁵

Biodiversity net gain requirements are now mandatory for small sites.

1. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/biodiversity-net-gain-moves-step-closer-with-timetable-set-out?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications-topic&utm_source=1e285c3e-200d-4485-bfad-224ad1b21347&utm_content=immediately
2. https://www.blog.gov.uk/
3. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/understanding-biodiversity-net-gain
4. https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2024/50/contents/made
5. https://defraenvironment.blog.gov.uk/2024/04/02/biodiversity-net-gain-now-applies-to-small-developments/