More local authorities ask for higher BNG – Carter Jonas

The number of local authorities requesting biodiversity net gain of more than 10% for new schemes or including a higher stipulation in their local plan review has increased by more than 30% in the past year, according to research by Carter Jonas.

The property consultancy and estate agent’s Q4 2023 research of the 306 local planning authorities (LPAs) in England, shows that the local plans of three authorities, Guildford, Brighton and Hove and Worthing – 1% of all LPAs – have adopted a BNG policy of more than 10%. But Carter Jonas said that 17 (5.6%) had this policy emerging through their local plan review, meaning a rise of 33.3% against its Q4 2022 research.

The consultancy noted a “gradual increase” in the number of LPAs requesting BNG above 10%. “Numerous” others were “actively considering” higher levels of net gain, including Birmingham and Chelmsford. But these had not been included in the analysis due to their early stages of adoption, Carter Jonas explained.

Mandatory BNG of 10% will become a legal requirement by the end of January, delayed from November.

At the end of November, the government published draft legislation and guidance …