Biodiversity net gain consultation
On 2 December 2018, Environment Secretary Michael Gove announced the government is consulting on mandating biodiversity net gain in development. The plans would require that developers ensure habitats for wildlife are enhanced and left in a measurably better state than they were pre-development.
Developers would have to assess the type of habitat and its condition before submitting plans, and would then be required to demonstrate how they are improving biodiversity, for example, through the creation of green corridors, planting more trees, or forming local nature spaces.
In the rare circumstances where improvements are not possible the consultation proposes to charge developers a levy to pay for habitat creation or improvement elsewhere. The consultation will also consider whether sites such as small and brownfield sites should be exempt.
The consultation builds on the experiences of local authorities and developers who have already adopted net gain approaches. For example, Berkley Group have committed to creating a net biodiversity gain within all their development sites and are working with London Wildlife Trust to build Kidbrooke Village, a 4,800 home development that contains 20 hectares of parkland. Warwickshire County Council have also trialled and implemented a system to ensure all developments lead to no net loss of biodiversity, with each development preparing a Biodiversity Impact Assessment prior to building.
The government suggest the plans are the first step in their ambition to embed the principle of ‘environmental net gain’ in development, driving improvements in air quality, flood defences, clean water and so on.
Michael Gove, said; “Mandating biodiversity net gain puts the environment at the heart of planning and development. This will not only create better places for people to live and work, but ensure we leave our environment in a better state for future generations.”
Dr Julia Baker, Biodiversity Technical Specialist for Balfour Beatty, said; “Early planning allows for Biodiversity Net Gain measures to be integrated into the design, programme and budget of schemes, reducing the cost and ultimately generating long-term benefits for nature and society.”
The consultation runs until 10 February 2019.
Find out more at: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/gove-sets-out-proposals-for-greener-developments
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Biodiversity.
- Biodiversity gain.
- Biodiversity in the urban environment.
- Biodiversity offsetting.
- Biophilia.
- BREEAM Enhancing site ecology.
- BREEAM Long term impact on biodiversity.
- Ecological network.
- Ecological impact assessment.
- Ecology.
- Ecology compensation.
- Ecology connectivity.
- Environmental impact assessment.
- Environmental net gain.
- Green infrastructure.
- Green roofs.
- Nature improvement area.
- Natural environment white paper.
- Sustainable development toolkit.
- The future of green infrastructure.
Featured articles and news
ECA Industry Awards 2024 shortlist revealed
22 leading businesses from across the electrotechnical and engineering services sector.
Government unveils Skills England strategy
Skills England to transform opportunities and drive growth.
New Government Hub for York Given Planning Green Light
For up to 2,600 civil servants, due for completion by 2028.
Construction Skills Certification Scheme cards
July update on Professionally Qualified and Academically Qualified Person Cards.
BSRIA Briefing 2024, November 22
Sustainable Futures: Redefining Retrofit for Net Zero Living.
The CLC on driving competency in the retrofit sector
Previously published roadmap on skills for net zero.
The first labour government King's speech in fifteen years
Construction industry reactions, support and some concern.
CIOB Retrofit of Buildings Technical Information Sheet
What retrofit is, the approach to be taken and processes to be followed.
Adapting Historic Buildings for Energy and Carbon Efficiency
Historic England advice note 18, free download published.
10 retrofit projects revisited 10 years after completion.
Information orders, building liability orders and SPVs
Key BSA terms and how they impact special purpose vehicles.
Listed despite problems with its design.
Zen and the art of cycling exploration.
Design Council Homes Taskforce launched
To support government 1.5 million homes target within UK climate commitments.