Future Homes Hub and PAS launch BNG Online

The Future Homes Hub and the Planning Advisory Service have today (April 2) launched a free online service to help housebuilders with biodiversity net gain (BNG).

As mandatory BNG becomes law for small sites (one to nine units) today, the two organisations are now offering BNG Online, a digital resource for housebuilders as well as local planning authorities (LPAs), giving practical guidance and advice on compliance with the new legislation. All sites must now achieve an uplift in BNG of at least 10%.

The website, built in collaboration with the National Federation of Builders and tech start-ups Joe's Blooms and Verna, also directs users to a range of digital tools to help participants meet the requirements, including Joe’s Bloom’s Biodiversity Net Gain Tool for SMEs and Verna’s Mycelia software, helping LPAs manage BNG.

The Future Homes Hub is providing guidance for SME housebuilders while the Planning Advisory Service (PAS) is supporting LPAs.

BNG Online is available in an initial “beta” version; the Hub and PAS are inviting feedback from users “as we develop the site”. The resource will be updated according to this input and according to any government …