New requirements introduced for developers

It will be done through Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) - a statutory requirement for all qualifying planning applications. 

This will mean new developments will be required to achieve a minimum net gain of 10% for biodiversity. This refers to the variety of all living organisms, including animals, insects, plants, bacteria and fungi.

Specific forms of development, including household extensions or sites with very limited biodiversity value, are exempt. All other developments will be required to provide the 10% gain.

Biodiversity Net Gain does not replace or mitigate the effects of development on protected sites or species and irreplaceable habitats. Existing policies and protections continue to apply and will be assessed in parallel to BNG requirements.  

Pendle Borough Council has produced guidance for developers to explain the type of developments that must meet the requirements and the process when applying for planning permission.

As part of the changes, specific information will be needed when a planning application is submitted. We want to know if you agree with the validation requirements and if not, why?

We are consulting on what that information should be and we would like your suggestions on what the validation process should involve.

The deadline for comments is midnight Sunday 28 April.

Neil Watson, Pendle Borough Council’s Assistant Director for Planning, Building Control and Regulatory Services, said: “Biodiversity Net Gain is non-negotiable. The law requires any qualifying development to improve what is on site by 10%.

“This is a new requirement and we are giving developers all the help and guidance we can. We want to work with the development industry to make this as simple and workable as possible, so all input into this will be invaluable to us.”

More information, the developers guide and the consultation is available here: https://www.pendle.gov.uk/bng