Defra is consulting on how biodiversity net gain (BNG) is implemented on minor, medium and brownfield developments. Separately, it is also consulting on the extension of BNG requirements to nationally significant infrastructure projects.
The includes options around extending exemptions, simplifying the small sites metric and increasing ease of access to the off-site market. It also addresses specific challenges for brownfield developments.
Defra is also proposing to introduce from May 2026. This will provide a framework to ensure new major infrastructure developments leave biodiversity in a measurably better state than before development took place.
Both consultations close on 24th July 2025.
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