Instruct a BNG baseline survey as early as possible. Ordinarily this is undertaken alongside an ecology survey (EcIA) and sometimes an arboricultural (Tree) survey.

We provide a quotation to undertake the baseline survey. If you already have a proposed layout, we can cost the ‘post-development’ BNG aspect too. Otherwise, we provide this quotation at a later stage.

The baseline survey will provide you with a report detailing habitats on site, the number of habitat, hedgerow, watercourse units (as applicable to the site), digital mapping, showing the various habitats, sizes and locations, together with a Statutory BNG Metric and BNG Statutory Condition Metric. Be aware it is slightly different for small sites.

The Ecology aspect will also require consideration – do you need any Phase 2 surveys, are there any ‘irreplaceable habitats’ on site (Veteran trees being the commonest).

Architects should then use the baseline data to design the best layout to limit BNG losses (and protect, protected species habitat), making it less onerous to achieve BNG requirements. At this stage we generally liaise with the Architect to consider what onsite BNG provision is possible and advise accordingly.

The LPA at their discretion can deem any ‘BNG’ you provide onsite to be ‘significant’ or not. Only significant habitats must be monitored and reported on for 30 years. 

If only offsite Units have been purchased, the provider of the Units is responsible for management and monitoring, not you.

The next part of the process depends on whether the application is outline, reserved matters or full.

• Outline – The LPA will expect to see that BNG has been adequately considered and they have confidence that it can be achieved in whatever manner described in the BNG report.

• Reserved Matters – The LPA will want Clarity on the BNG aspect. Post development mapping and Metrics must be provided, along with scaled maps, and a BNG validation form. They might insist on a Biodiversity Gain Plan as part of the submission or they will ‘Condition’ this. (Technically it is not a ‘Condition’ as it is a Legal requirement and will appear as an advisory). 

Depending on how BNG is to be achieved, it is likely that you will have a pre-commencement Condition asking for a Habitat Management and Maintenance Plan (HMMP) to be provided and signed off prior to any site work commencing. This is applicable if you are providing onsite BNG.

The HMMP will detail what habitats are to be created, where and when and has a 30 year management plan included. Monitoring will be expected in years 2, 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 and monitoring reports sent to the LPA for checking. If habitats are not of the correct type / condition, you will be expected to rectify at your own expense.

Some LPAs have their own individual requirements, some of which are not strictly legal, but they can be somewhat anal about this.

• Full - The LPA will want Clarity on all of the BNG aspects: Post development mapping and Metrics provided. They might insist on a Biodiversity Gain Plan as part of the submission or they will ‘Condition’ this. (Technically it is not a ‘Condition’ as it is a Legal requirement and will appear as an advisory). 

Depending on how BNG is to be achieved, it is likely that you will have a pre-commencement Condition asking for a Habitat Management and Maintenance Plan (HMMP) to be provided and signed off prior to any site work commencing. This is applicable if you are providing onsite BNG. 

The HMMP will detail what habitats are to be created, where and when and has a 30 year management plan included. Monitoring will be expected in years 2, 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 and monitoring reports sent to the LPA for checking. If habitats are not of the correct type / condition, you will expected the rectify at your own expense.

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