Biodiversity net gain offsetting - monitoring and reporting body contribution

The Environment Act 2021 mandates 10% biodiversity net gain for planning applications with some exemptions. For exemptions and further details on information requirements, please see local requirements - biodiversity/geodiversity survey and report.

Where possible developments should provide the mandatory 10% biodiversity net gain on site however, in many cases this will not be achievable and some degree of offsetting will be required.

In order to cover the additional costs to the Local Planning Authority (LPA) of mandatory monitoring and reporting of Biodiversity Net Gain on sites outside of the main development site, developers will be required to make a financial contribution to the LPA. This contribution will be required when:

• offsetting is to be carried out on land under the control of the developer either through ownership, long-term lease or other similar agreement; or
• where there is a significant biodiversity provision from on-site habitats

What is ‘significant’ on site biodiversity provision

In line with government guidance, in Bradford ‘significant’ on site biodiversity provision means any site with Medium, High or Very High Distinctiveness habitats. It also means any on site provision of habitats providing three or more biodiversity units of any habitat type. This includes created, enhanced AND retained habitats.

Why is the contribution required?

The monitoring and reporting body contribution is required to cover costs to the LPA of reviewing monitoring reports and managing data for offsetting sites and where a significant amount of biodiversity is provided on site relating to planning consents. The fee will also contribute to LPA costs arising from scrutiny of monitoring reports and of implementation and progress of habitat management. It will also be used to support the enforcement of offsetting agreed through Section 106 or Conservation Covenants. It will also help the LPA cover the cost of mandatory reporting to government on Biodiversity Net Gain works relating to development permitted by the LPA.

How much is the contribution?

For applications with offsite biodiversity compensation or gain, or there is a significant on site provision of biodiversity up to 10 Biodiversity Units, a contribution of £5,000 will be required.

For applications with offsite biodiversity compensation or gain, or there is a significant on site provision of biodiversity of more than 10 Biodiversity Units a contribution of £10,000 will be required.

For applications with offsite biodiversity compensation or gain, or there is a significant on site provision of biodiversity of more than 20 Biodiversity Units a bespoke contribution will be negotiated based on complexity and risk of delivery.

Exemptions

As detailed in government guidance on biodiversity net gain the following types of development are exempt from mandatory biodiversity net gain:

• development resulting in a loss of less than 25m² of vegetation or less than 5m of a linear feature;
• householder applications;
• applications for design and build developments.

Payment

In Bradford any offsite biodiversity compensation or gain and any significant on site gain must be secured by Section 106. These agreements will identify the location of the offsetting site and agree the implementation of a Management and Monitoring Plan. Triggers for payment will be included in the Section 106.