Biodiversity net gain (BNG) is a framework that ensures any new development contributes positively to biodiversity and is a crucial part of the government’s strategy for environmental sustainability.
The goal is to leave the environment in a better state post-development than it was before. Developers are required to assess the biodiversity value of a site before and after development, with a target of achieving a minimum 10% net gain in biodiversity. Traditionally applied to larger projects, from April 2024 BNG now extends to smaller sites as well, following an update from the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra).
Historically, BNG was a requirement primarily for larger developments. However, with the new regulation, small developments – defined as those under a hectare in size or involving fewer than nine dwellings – are now also subject to BNG rules. This expansion recognises that cumulative impacts from smaller projects can significantly affect local biodiversity.
To aid in the assessment of these smaller projects, Defra introduced the small sites metric (SSM) calculation tool, a simplified tool adapted from the existing statutory biodiversity metric calculation tool, to help measure the biodiversity value of smaller sites, making it easier for developers to meet the BNG requirements.
The metric considers factors such as habitat quality and area, guiding developers on how to achieve the mandatory 10% biodiversity net gain.
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