Biodiversity Net Gain Changes
Big changes to Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) coming into force on 6 August 2026.
The latest regulations published by Defra introduce several significant changes that will affect how smaller developments are considered and delivered.
Key changes include:
- A new exemption for development sites below 0.2 hectares, removing the mandatory BNG requirement for the smallest schemes.
- A new exemption for temporary developments lasting five years or less.
- The removal of the existing exemption for self-build and custom-build developments, meaning these schemes will now generally need to consider BNG requirements.
- Greater flexibility for minor developments, allowing developers to utilise off-site biodiversity gains immediately rather than first demonstrating all on-site opportunities have been exhausted.
These changes are intended to make the planning process quicker, simpler and more cost-effective for smaller developers, whilst continuing to support the growth of nature recovery and biodiversity markets.
For local planning authorities, consultants and developers alike, the coming weeks will be an important period of adjustment as guidance is updated and new processes bed in.
The challenge remains the same: balancing a more proportionate approach to smaller developments with the continued ambition to deliver meaningful biodiversity improvements through the planning system.
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