Exploring what BNG might mean for different sectors of local communities
Biodiversity net gain not only represents an important addition to the work of ecologists, but also gives a significant additional role to local planning authorities, which will play a key part in ensuring the effective delivery of BNG measures.
In recognition of this, RSK Wilding has been working with councils across Leicestershire and Rutland since late 2021, identifying and advising on resourcing requirements, policy options and offsetting opportunities. In 2024, this work expanded, with the delivery of training to planning officers in January and, in February, training to council members.
The aim of this training was to demystify BNG by explaining its requirements and intricacies, with a specific focus on how it will apply to both planning officers and members. To this end, we explored with attendees:
- the legal framework within which BNG is being delivered
- how BNG will need to be delivered within the existing planning system, and
- the roles and responsibilities local authorities will be required, or might chose, to take on.
Attendees were provided with several scenarios within the statutory biodiversity metric. These scenarios enabled them to explore the differences that apparently minor variations in development design and management can have on BNG outcomes and, in turn, can enable officers to have more productive conversations with applicants regarding BNG-related planning application feedback.
With over 140 attendees at the planning officers’ training, across a hybrid format, the engagement of councils across Leicestershire and Rutland on the topic of BNG was clearly evident and through question-and-answer sessions, we were able to discuss a number of nuanced aspects of BNG and the planning system.
We are looking forward to continuing our training, with a session for council members in late February, in which we will not only explore many of the topics already discussed above but will also explore what BNG might mean for different sectors of local communities and the opportunities it may offer if effectively implemented.