At BNG Plan, we help developers, planners, and landowners across the UK meet the increasing environmental requirements for sustainable development.

With the UK Environment Act now mandating measurable biodiversity improvements, our qualified ecologists ensure your BNG Plan delivers at least a 10% biodiversity gain while satisfying local planning authority requirements.

From initial site assessments to targeted habitat creation, we combine ecological expertise with practical, development-friendly strategies that keep projects moving while enhancing the natural environment.

Why Is a BNG Plan Important for Developments?

A BNG plan is a structured framework that demonstrates how a development will leave the environment in a measurably better condition than before construction.

As part of national planning policy, a compliant BNG Plan is now required for most developments seeking approval. In practice, it offers a clear pathway to restore degraded habitats, incorporate biodiversity-rich planting schemes, and support the long-term health of local ecosystems.

Which Types of Projects Require a BNG Plan?

BNG plan requirements apply to a wide variety of projects, including:

• Residential developments – From small housing plots to large-scale estates, particularly those on greenfield or sensitive sites.
• Commercial builds – Offices, retail centres, warehouses, and mixed-use developments.
• Infrastructure projects – Roads, rail links, bridges, and utilities affecting habitats or wildlife corridors.
• Major refurbishments – Significant redevelopments with measurable ecological impacts.
• Agricultural projects – Land-use changes, farm infrastructure works, and drainage alterations.
• Renewable energy installations – Solar farms, wind turbines, and related infrastructure.
• Industrial expansions – New facilities or site enlargements in ecologically sensitive areas.

How Much Does Implementing a BNG Plan Cost?

The cost of implementing a BNG plan ranges from £5,000 to over £45,000+, depending on the site’s current biodiversity value, the extent of improvements needed, and whether measures are delivered on-site or off-site.

Costs are influenced by factors such as the type of habitat creation or restoration, landscaping complexity, the need for specialist ecological monitoring, and the length of the management period.

Contact BNG Plan to get tailored prices for your project.

How Do Ecologists Prepare a BNG Plan?

Our BNP plan ecologists begin by carrying out a baseline biodiversity survey using the DEFRA Biodiversity Metric. This involves mapping habitats, assessing their condition, and recording species presence.

Each habitat is assigned a score for size, quality, and distinctiveness. This baseline score then determines the level of biodiversity uplift required, guiding the design of enhancement measures in the BNG Plan.

Can a BNG Plan Include Both On-Site and Off-Site Measures?

A BNG plan can be fulfilled entirely through on-site habitat creation or enhancement, or by combining on-site works with the purchase of off-site biodiversity units.

Many projects adopt a hybrid approach, implementing certain improvements within the development boundary while securing additional credits from accredited providers to meet the full requirement.

How Do BNG Plans Align With Local Planning Authority Requirements?

We design BNG plans to meet national DEFRA standards while aligning with the specific ecological priorities of the local planning authority. This includes providing clear habitat maps, biodiversity metric results, and long-term management schedules.

By incorporating local conservation targets, such as improving strategic wildlife corridors or protecting priority habitats, we increase the likelihood of smooth planning approval.

What’s the Process for Preparing and Submitting a BNG Plan?

The BNG planning process begins with an initial consultation to understand the development scope and site conditions. We then complete the biodiversity baseline survey, run metric calculations, and design a set of enhancement measures.

Our team prepares a phased implementation plan and the supporting documentation required for submission alongside your planning application, liaising with planning officers to ensure compliance.

What Strategies Are Used to Achieve the 10% Biodiversity Requirement in a BNG Plan?

Common strategies for meeting the 10% biodiversity uplift through a BNG plan include:

• Enhancing existing habitats – Improving management of grassland, woodland, wetlands, or other habitat types.
• Creating new habitats – Establishing wildflower meadows, ponds, wetlands, or native woodland planting.
• Green infrastructure – Installing green roofs, living walls, and urban planting schemes.
• Wildlife corridors – Connecting fragmented habitats to aid species movement and biodiversity resilience.
• Sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) – Designing water management features that also enhance ecological value.
• Invasive species control – Removing non-native species to allow native habitats to recover.

Do BNG Plan Specialists Provide Ongoing Monitoring and Reporting?

Once a BNG plan is implemented, long-term monitoring is essential to confirm that biodiversity targets are achieved and maintained, usually over a 30-year management period under the Environment Act.

We offer scheduled inspections, compliance checks, and detailed reporting to meet planning conditions and ensure habitats continue to deliver measurable biodiversity gains.

Contact BNG Plan for expert guidance on creating and maintaining a compliant biodiversity strategy.

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