The Government has confirmed it is delaying the introduction of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) laws until next year.
BNG, which requires developers in England to deliver a net positive for the local environment, was meant to become a mandatory part of the planning system in England in November 2023.
Under the updated timetable, developers will now be required to deliver 10% ‘Biodiversity Net Gain’ from January 2024 onwards.
Trudy Harrison, Biodiversity Minister said, ‘The updated timetable and guidance we are setting out today will help smooth the transition ahead of the Biodiversity Net Gain going fully live in January 2024.’
Victoria Hills, chief executive of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), said: 'Our recent research showed that the Government has been running out of time to prepare local planning authorities for the implementation of new Biodiversity Net Gain requirements.'
'We welcome the delay to ensure the guidance is prepared and hope that immediate clarity and support from the Government will come quickly to ensure implementation of Biodiversity Net Gain is successful and to avoid adding to England’s planning backlog.'
If this article was of interest, then check out our feature, 'Boosting urban biodiversity with new innovations in green infrastructure'.
