The government is consulting on planning and Biodiversity Net Gain.

The government have launched two consultations on Biodiversity Net Gain.

1) Improving the implementation of Biodiversity Net Gain for minor, medium and brownfield development

What is the consultation on?

This consultation seeks views on the implementation of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) for minor, medium and brownfield development.

Scope of this consultation:

This consultation 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.

Click here to find out more and complete the consultation.

Body/bodies responsible for the consultation:

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Duration:

This consultation will close on the 24th July 2025.

Enquiries:

For any enquiries about the consultation please contact: bngconsultation@defra.gov.uk

2) Biodiversity net gain for nationally significant infrastructure projects

What is the consultation on?

This consultation seeks views on the implementation of biodiversity net gain (BNG) for nationally significant infrastructure projects (NSIPs).

Scope of this consultation:

The government are proposing to introduce BNG for NSIPs from May 2026. This will provide a clear framework to ensure new major infrastructure developments leave biodiversity in a measurably better state than before development took place. This will contribute to our legally binding Environment Act 2021 targets for biodiversity and provide wider benefits for climate change adaptation and mitigation.

Click here to find out more and complete the consultation.

Body/bodies responsible for the consultation:

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Duration:

This consultation will close on the 24th July 2025.

Enquiries:

For any enquiries about the consultation please contact: bngconsultation@defra.gov.uk