UKGBC Responds to the Government's new Biodiversity Net Gain Proposals

Read UKGBC's response to the government's proposal to reduce Biodiversity Net Gain thresholds for small and medium housing developments.

In a new working paper on planning thresholds, the Government has proposed a “stream-lined” biodiversity net gain (BNG) requirement for small and medium residential development schemes. Smaller housebuilders will be subject to relaxed BNG thresholds and financial support as part of Labour’s commitment to build 1.5 million homes by 2030.

Anna Hollyman, co-head of Policy & Places at UKGBC, said:

The UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries in Europe. By proposing exemptions to biodiversity net gain that would encompass over 70% of housing developments, the government not only risks further degrading our unique wildlife, but also missing opportunities to ensure high-quality green spaces are at the heart of new developments, benefiting the wellbeing of their residents and communities.

This proposed change would also damage UKGBC member businesses, who have invested heavily in delivering biodiversity net gain in line with existing government policy. Small and medium house builders are at the forefront of creating innovative and progressive green initiatives. Instead of lowering the ambition of existing policy, the government should be supporting their efforts with a supportive policy environment.

The government should not water down biodiversity net gain as proposed in this consultation. Instead, housing developers and the government should work together to protect nature, making us more resilient to flooding and heat waves, and making our towns and cities cleaner, greener, and healthier.”

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