Why Biodiversity Net Gain Should Be Considered Early in the Design Process
Why Biodiversity Net Gain Should Be Considered Early in the Design Process
Planning a development? Bringing an ecologist into the design process early could save you time, money and unnecessary complications.
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) has become an important consideration for development projects across England. Yet, one of the most common challenges we encounter is being asked to assess biodiversity requirements once a scheme has already been designed. By this stage, opportunities to retain valuable habitats may have been missed, landscape proposals may need revisiting, and unexpected costs can arise. At SJ Ecology & Environment, we believe BNG should help shape a development from the outset, rather than become something that needs resolving at the end.
What Is Biodiversity Net Gain?
Biodiversity Net Gain is an approach to development that aims to leave the natural environment in a measurably better condition than it was before. In England, most developments subject to mandatory BNG must demonstrate a minimum 10% increase in biodiversity value, calculated using the statutory biodiversity metric. This means considering the habitats present before development, understanding how the proposals will affect them, and identifying how biodiversity improvements can be delivered. While the principle is straightforward, achieving the required biodiversity gain isn't always simple, particularly where a site has limited space or contains valuable existing habitats.
That's where early ecological advice can make a significant difference.
1. Understanding Your Site Before Designing Around It
Every site is different, and what might appear to be an ordinary area of grassland, scrub or hedgerow can have a significant influence on the biodiversity calculations. Before detailed designs are prepared, we recommend establishing an accurate ecological baseline through a UK Habitat Classification (UKHab) survey and, where appropriate, habitat condition assessments. This helps identify which habitats are present, their ecological value and how they may influence your development proposals. With this information available early, your design team can make informed decisions about which habitats to retain, where development might be best located and how biodiversity enhancements can be incorporated.
The earlier we understand your site, the more opportunities we have to help you make the right decisions.
2. Avoiding Expensive Design Changes
One of the biggest frustrations for developers is discovering that a scheme needs to change after significant time and money have already been invested in its design. For example, removing a relatively small area of higher-value habitat could create a disproportionate biodiversity loss, requiring substantial habitat creation or the purchase of off-site biodiversity units. Had this been identified earlier, it may have been possible to adjust the layout, retain the habitat or incorporate alternative landscape proposals. By involving us during the initial design stages, we can work alongside your architect, landscape architect and planning consultant to identify potential issues before they become expensive problems.
Our aim isn't to dictate how your site should be designed. It's to give your team the information needed to make informed decisions.
3. Making the Most of Your Landscape Proposals
BNG and landscape design should work together. New planting, grassland creation, hedgerows and other habitat enhancements can contribute towards achieving biodiversity requirements, provided they meet the relevant criteria and can be appropriately secured and managed. However, not every landscaped area will contribute towards the statutory BNG requirement. For example, habitat creation within private residential gardens will generally not count towards the required biodiversity gain because it cannot be reliably secured and managed over the necessary period.
This is something we regularly discuss with clients during the design process.
By considering BNG alongside landscape proposals from the beginning, we can help identify realistic opportunities for habitat creation and enhancement, ensuring the landscape strategy supports both the development and its biodiversity obligations.
4. Reducing the Need for Off-Site Biodiversity Units
Where a development cannot achieve its required biodiversity gain on-site, developers may need to secure off-site biodiversity units. Depending on the habitats affected and the number and type of units required, this can introduce significant additional costs. While off-site units are sometimes unavoidable, early planning can help reduce reliance on them.
By reviewing the initial biodiversity calculations and working with the design team, we can explore opportunities to retain existing habitats, improve proposed planting schemes and make better use of available open space. Importantly, these decisions need to be realistic. Proposed habitats must be achievable, suitable for the location and capable of being maintained for the required period.
Good BNG design isn't simply about achieving a number on a spreadsheet. It's about creating habitats that will genuinely work.
5. Keeping Your Planning Application Moving
BNG requirements can influence several stages of the planning process. For applications subject to mandatory BNG, appropriate biodiversity information is required at submission, with a Biodiversity Gain Plan generally needing approval before development begins. Depending on the proposals, additional documentation may also be required, including habitat management and monitoring plans or arrangements to secure biodiversity gains. When BNG is considered late, resolving these requirements can become an unexpected challenge. Early involvement allows us to explain what's required, establish realistic timescales and coordinate with your wider project team.
We also understand that planning deadlines matter. That's why we aim to identify potential constraints early and provide clear advice on the information needed to progress your application.
6. Working With Your Design Team, Not Against It
At SJ Ecology & Environment, we believe the best results come from collaboration.
We understand that architects, developers and planning consultants are balancing numerous considerations, from site access and drainage to building layouts, landscaping and commercial viability. Our role is to make biodiversity requirements easier to understand and integrate into those decisions. We don't believe ecology should sit separately from the design process, only appearing when a report is needed. Instead, we work alongside your team, providing practical advice, reviewing proposals and identifying opportunities to achieve biodiversity requirements without unnecessary complications. And importantly, we're always available to discuss your project. Sometimes a quick phone call during the design process can prevent weeks of unnecessary revisions later.
Our Advice? Get Us Involved Early.
Whether you're preparing a small residential development, a commercial scheme or a major planning application, considering Biodiversity Net Gain early can make a real difference. An accurate baseline assessment, a clear understanding of the requirements and early coordination with your design team can help reduce costs, avoid unnecessary redesigns and keep your project moving. At SJ Ecology & Environment, we've been working with BNG since its introduction, supporting projects across the UK with practical advice, detailed assessments and biodiversity strategies.
We understand that every development is different, which is why our approach is always tailored to your site, your proposals and your objectives.
Let's Talk About Your Project
Not sure how Biodiversity Net Gain might affect your development?
Get in touch with our team. We'll take the time to understand your proposals, explain what's required and help you make informed decisions before the design process progresses too far.
The earlier we're involved, the more we can do to help.