New housing, commercial and infrastructure developments are set to be ‘nature positive’ from November onwards, the government has announced the plans, backed by £16 million of funding for Local Planning Authorities, and guidance to support the new approach.
New developments will be delivered in a way which protects and enhances nature, while ensuring England gets the high-quality homes it needs.
Developers in England will be required to deliver 10% ‘Biodiversity Net Gain’ when building new housing, industrial or commercial developments so there is a positive benefit for nature.
This means they will have to assess the type of habitat affected and its condition before submitting plans to the local planning authority detailing how they will deliver a 10% benefit for nature.
Biodiversity Net Gain is a key part of the government’s commitment to halt species decline by 2030 and was introduced into legislation through the world-leading Environment Act.
Environment Secretary, Therese Coffey, said: “We will continue to support and work with developers and planning authorities ahead of the introduction of Biodiversity Net Gain. We want to help them ensure the developments of the future enhance biodiversity by creating thriving places for plants and wildlife, as outlined under our pioneering Environmental Improvement Plan.”