BNG
MADE
SIMPLE.

Biodiversity Net Gain is a UK planning requirement that makes sure development leaves nature in a measurably better state than it was before. Most developments in England now need to show at least a 10% increase in biodiversity value, calculated using the DEFRA Biodiversity Metric. This can be achieved on-site by improving existing habitats, or, where that isn’t possible, by purchasing off-site BNG units from registered habitat banks. Both on-site and off-site habitat improvements have to be legally secured through a Section 106 agreement or a conservation covenant for at least 30 years to ensure that habitat improvements last.

In most cases, you'll need to demonstrate at least 10% Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) for your development and secure that gain for 30 years. The typical process starts with commissioning a baseline assessment, where an ecologist assesses the site’s existing habitats and completes the Statutory Biodiversity Metric. You then design and evidence any on-site habitat creation or enhancement and update the Metric to show the projected uplift. If on-site measures don’t achieve 10% (or don’t meet the trading rules), you may need to address the shortfall by purchasing off-site BNG units from a habitat bank (most common) and/or using statutory biodiversity credits (typically a last resort). Finally, your BNG information is submitted through the planning process, usually including the Metric, a BNG Plan and supporting information showing how the gain will be delivered, monitored and maintained. If you’re not sure where to start, visit our consultancy page to speak to a member of our support team for free.

You submit your BNG requirement (including your Statutory Biodiversity Metric) and we verify the information to ensure it’s accurate and legitimate. Your listing is then made visible to habitat banks on the platform, allowing them to submit quotes for you to compare in one place- not just on price, but also on factors like location and added benefits. Once you’ve selected your preferred option, we run through the quote with you, confirm it meets the trading rules, and introduce both parties to proceed with the agreement and unit allocation.

Yes. Most development in England must deliver at least 10% Biodiversity Net Gain, but a number of exemptions apply, and these changed on 6 August 2026. The main exemptions are: • Sites of 0.2 hectares or less, measured to the red line boundary, provided no on-site priority habitat is negatively affected. This came into force on 6 August 2026 and the government estimated it would remove around half of the residential permissions that previously needed BNG. • De minimis impacts, where less than 25m² of on-site habitat and less than 5m of on-site linear habitat such as hedgerows are affected, and no priority habitat is affected. • Householder applications, such as extensions, loft conversions and conservatories. • Temporary development, where permission is granted for five years or less and the land is reinstated, provided no priority habitat is affected. Also new from 6 August 2026. • Development whose sole or main purpose is creating or enhancing habitat to satisfy another development's BNG condition. • Urgent Crown development, and development forming part of the high speed rail transport network. One important change: the separate exemption for self-build and custom build housing was removed on 6 August 2026. Self-build schemes applying on or after that date are only exempt if they qualify under another exemption, most often the new 0.2 hectare threshold. The new exemptions apply to planning applications made on or after 6 August 2026. Applications submitted before that date continue under the previous rules. If you are unsure whether your site is exempt, speak to our team before commissioning a metric assessment.

We cannot guarantee that planning permission will be granted. However, with support from our expert team and access to trusted habitat banks, we help you put in place a robust, fully compliant Biodiversity Net Gain solution. This ensures your BNG requirements are met and reduces the risk of delays to your planning application due to BNG.

Supporting both buyers and sellers of biodiversity units, the platform is designed for: • Developers • Planning consultants • Ecologists • Land agents • Local authorities • Landowners / habitat banks offering biodiversity units