Decision details

A decision has been made within Development Management to update the Planning Validation checklist relating to the national requirements for Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) following the introduction of BNG legislation and launch of mandatory BNG into the planning system in early 2024.

From 12 February 2024, major planning applications need to meet the requirements for measurable biodiversity net gain as set out in Schedule 7A of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (inserted by the Environment Act 2021), and information to demonstrate this is required in order to validate an application. From 2^nd April the same applies to small site applications. Subject to relevant exemptions.

Officers have considered updating the local validation requirements for BNG but it is considered that any such update would form part of the two-yearly review/consultation period on the Planning validation checklist as a whole.

Legal Services have been consulted on these matters and are in agreement with the proposed way forward.

Decision to update the National requirements on the Planning validation checklist to accord with new legislation for Biodiversity Net Gain which became mandatory in February ‘24 (for major applications-subject to exemptions) and April ’24 (for small site applications-subject to exemptions).