Biodiversity Net Gain Guidance

Delivering Biodiversity Net Gain in Greater Manchester

What is Biodiversity Net Gain?

Biodiversity Net Gain is an approach to development, such as a new building or construction, that leaves biodiversity in a better state than before. Where a development has an impact on biodiversity, developers will need to provide an increase in appropriate natural habitat and ecological features over and above that being affected. Through Biodiversity Net Gain, it is hoped that the current loss of biodiversity through development will be halted and wildlife corridors can be restored.

Biodiversity Net Gain in Greater Manchester

The Greater Manchester Five-Year Environment Plan includes a high-level commitment to supporting the delivery of Biodiversity Net Gain across our city region. As part of proposals being brought forward by the Government’s 25-Year Environment Plan and the Environment Bill, all developments under the Town and Country Planning Act will need to achieve net gain for biodiversity of 10%. This is soon to become mandatory through the forthcoming Environment Act in 2023 – the National Planning Policy Framework also requires net gain to be achieved in a measurable way.

Why are we delivering guidance and support?

Delivery of Biodiversity Net Gain across the Greater Manchester city region is an ambitious aim. The Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) is at the forefront of progressing Biodiversity Net Gain, and central government is keen to work with the GMCA to understand how Biodiversity Net Gain can be implemented practically in accordance with national policy and professional guidance.

Biodiversity Net Gain guidance

As part of our ongoing programme of support GMCA have produced three documents:

To help stakeholders prepare for mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), Natural England has produced a short, high-level brochure, introducing BNG. The brochure summarises the forthcoming mandatory approach to BNG, the opportunities BNG presents and what it might mean for developers, landowners and Local Planning Authorities.