Somerset Council Needs Your Help

What is BNG and why is it important?

From January 2024, planning applications submitted for new developments in England will be required to achieve at least 10% Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG).

BNG is an approach to development, and/or land management, that aims to leave the natural environment in a measurably better state than it was beforehand. It's intended to deliver measurable improvements for biodiversity by creating or enhancing habitats in association with development.

Whilst the requirement to demonstrate and deliver at least 10% BNG and the core processes involved in doing so are set nationally, there are limited areas where the requirement can be tailored to local circumstances.

Have your say on our draft BNG Guidance Note

Somerset Council has produced a draft BNG Guidance Note for public consultation which provides technical guidance and advice on calculating and delivering BNG in a Somerset context. It aims to ensure a consistent and efficient approach aligned to local policy context, by making clear the requirements and processes in Somerset.

Views are sought on this Guidance Note and the proposed validation requirements from planning applicants, developers, planning agents, ecologists, landowners, land managers, land agents, site promoters, nature conservation bodies, other technical stakeholders and the general public.

The Consultation runs for 4 weeks from Monday 6 November 2023 until Monday 4 December 2023.

Views are sought specifically on:

• proposed processes for dealing with BNG through the planning process (including validation requirements and approach for securing BNG from new development);
• proposed approach for tailoring BNG locally through use of the Somerset BNG Principles, definition of strategic significance and the sequential approach;
• proposed approach for enabling off-site delivery mechanisms in Somerset;
• proposed approach for monitoring BNG; and
• the draft conclusions of the accompanying SEA / HRA Screening Report.

To take part in the consultation CLICK THIS LINK or go tosomersetcouncil.citizenspace.com/planning/bng-guidance-note/

Alternatively, you can respond by:

• emailing localplanningpolicy@somerset.gov.uk;
• writing to us at BNG, Somerset Council, County Hall, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 4DY

Paper copies of the consultation documents are also available for public viewing at;

• Bridgwater House
• Bridgwater LibraryCouncil Offices, Shepton Mallet
• County Hall
• Deane House
• Frome Library
• Glastonbury Library
• Minehead Library
• Petters House
• Taunton Library
• West Somerset House
• Yeovil Library