Government response and summary of responses
The consultation on biodiversity net gain (BNG) regulations and implementation was launched in January 2022 and ran for 12 weeks. It was supported by a consultation document, market analysis study, impact assessment for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs), and a report detailing results of an economic appraisal for major infrastructure projects.
The consultation covered the 3 main areas:
- the scope of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (TCPA) requirement and proposed exemptions; development within statutory designed sites, and irreplaceable habitats
- applying BNG to different types of development, including phased development; small sites; NSIPs
- how mandatory BNG will work for TCPA development and an example biodiversity gain plan
This Government response aims to summarise current policy positions and report on responses. Any changes to previously published policy positions or processes will be clearly highlighted. A detailed summary of responses to each question is presented in Annex A.
The government provided £4.18 million of funding to local government alongside the consultation to provide support to prepare for mandatory BNG. This funding was distributed to local authorities in England in 2022. We have heard through responses to this consultation that concerns remain in relation to local authority capacity. Therefore, we can confirm that we will be providing up to £16.71 million of funding for Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) to prepare for mandatory net gain between now and November 2023.
View Government Response