Biodiversity Net Gain, guidance for developers and ecological consultants

The following national validation requirements have been imposed:

• A statement as to whether the applicant believes the development is subject to the biodiversity gain condition (on application form);
• Where the applicant believes that planning permission, if granted, would not be subject to the biodiversity gain condition, the reasons for that belief (within the statement on the application form);
• Where planning permission would be subject to the biodiversity gain condition:
• The completed biodiversity metric showing the calculation of the biodiversity value of the onsite habitat, on
  • the date of the application; or
  • An earlier date proposed by the applicant.

With the date being immediately before any activities of the type mentioned in paragraph 6 or 6A of Schedule 7A to the 1990 Act having been carried out on the land.

• Where any of the above activities to degrade the land have been undertaken, submit:
  • A statement that such activities have been carried out;
  • Confirmation of the date immediately before those activities were carried out; and
  • Any available supporting evidence.
  • A description of any irreplaceable habitat on the land (on the application date or earlier date proposed by the applicant); and
• A plan showing onsite habitat existing on the date of application, including any irreplaceable habitat.