Preparing Biodiversity Net Gain information

Process for preparing the appropriate Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) information for a planning application.

Is the application claiming exemption from BNG on planning application form?

If yes

  1. Submit a Biodiversity Statement using the LPA template. Complete Part A only and provide supporting evidence (for example photographic evidence for a de minimis exemption or written details for self/custom build applications).
  2. LPA consult Surrey Wildlife Trust EPAS pre-validation on any apps claiming de minimis exemption. If LPA agrees de minimis or self-build exemption applies then LPA validate the application. If self-build, please include self-build in development description. If LPA don't validate the application, please instead follow the process under 'if no' below.
    1. Please note: biodiversity metric baseline plan (habitat map) may also be required in borderline cases (e.g. close to 25sqm of area habitat or 5m of linear habitat to demonstrate de minimis exemption.
  3. Proceed without BNG Standard ecology considerations still apply, from conservation and enhancement of biodiversity including protected species.
  4. LPA determine application. They will approve (with conditions and subject to S106 if needed) or refuse.

If no

  1. Submit Biodiversity Statement. Complete Parts A and B of statement using LPA template. Submit biodiversity metric (baseline essential) and plan (baseline map essential), and post development details to evidence Biodiversity hierarchy and 10% can feasibly be achieved.
  2. If the information is valid, LPA validate application. If it isn't, the submission will need to be amended.
  3. If the LPA consider that at least 10% net gain can potentially be achieved and that the BNG hierarchy has been applied in the scheme then LPA determine the application. They will approve (with conditions and subject to S106 if needed) or refuse.