Biodiversity net gain

It is now a legal requirement under the Town and Country Planning Act for all development to provide at least a 10 per cent biodiversity net gain, unless exempt.

Meeting biodiversity net gain requirements

If your development is subject to biodiversity net gain requirements, you'll need to provide extra evidence as part of your planning application.

You'll need to provide information including:

  • A completed post-development habitat map.
  • A biodiversity net gain statement or draft plan setting out your biodiversity net gain strategy.
  • A completed post-development biodiversity measurement.

If your proposed development is subject to biodiversity net gain, your application must also be accompanied by the minimum information set out in the Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015.

If you don't provide this information as part of your planning application, it may lead to delays or possible refusal.

You can find more information about biodiversity net gain and the requirements for planning applications in Greater Manchester at the following websites:

Check if your development is exempt

Your development may be exempt from meeting biodiversity net gain requirements.

Reasons for exemption include:

  • Development that doesn’t affect priority habitats and only impacts an area of habitat smaller than 25 square meters, or 5 meters long for hedgerows and watercourses. More about priority habitats
  • Householder applications like extensions, conservatories, and loft conversions.
  • Small self-build or custom-built housing projects with up to 9 buildings on land no larger than 0.5 hectares.

You can view the full list of exemptions on GOV.UK

If you think your development is exempt...

You'll need to provide a Statement of Exemption as part of your planning application. Download a Statement of Exemption template

If you can’t prove your development is exempt by using site plans, descriptions, and photos, you’ll need to follow the guidance on meeting biodiversity net gain requirements.

Get advice about biodiversity net gain

If you would like to discuss how biodiversity net gain affects your application, you can use our pre-application advice service.

Using the pre-application advice service can help you to understand the application process and reduce the likelihood of any delays because of biodiversity considerations.

 

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