BNG Credits
As Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) becomes embedded in the planning system, access to high- quality, deliverable biodiversity units is essential. We support both developers seeking units and landowners looking to create and sell them.
What do I need to know?
Whether you need biodiversity units to unlock development or want to establish a habitat bank on your land, we provide clear, practical guidance at every stage.
Need units?
If your development cannot achieve the required Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) uplift on-site, you will need to secure off-site biodiversity units to meet planning requirements.
We support developers with BNG shortfalls by sourcing and securing compliant, deliverable off-site units. Our team ensures habitat types, distinctiveness, strategic location, and metric calculations align with your planning obligations and Local Planning Authority requirements.
Through our habitat bank map, you can view where we have established registered habitat banks and see the types of units currently available. This provides immediate visibility of suitable options within the relevant local authority area or strategic market.
In addition to unit sourcing, we provide BNG brokering services, managing the commercial and technical process from initial enquiry through to agreement. This includes:
Identifying suitable available units
Ensuring habitat and metric alignment
Coordinating with landowners and legal teams
Supporting Section 106 or conservation covenant requirements
Integrating off-site units into your BNG submission
Our focus is on certainty, compliance, and efficiency – helping you resolve BNG obligations quickly and avoid delays to planning or delivery.
Habitat banks
Establishing a habitat bank can generate long-term environmental and financial returns while contributing to meaningful nature recovery.
We work with landowners, estates, and investors to design, register, and manage habitat banks that produce verified biodiversity units for sale within the BNG market.
Our support includes:
Baseline habitat surveys and condition assessments
Biodiversity Metric calculations and uplift modelling
Habitat creation and restoration design
Habitat Management and Monitoring Plans (HMMPs)
Registration and compliance guidance
Long-term ecological oversight and monitoring
We ensure habitat banks are ecologically robust, commercially viable, and aligned with local policy priorities. Our practical, land-based approach ensures enhancements integrate seamlessly with farming operations, grazing regimes, and estate management objectives.
With increasing demand for high-quality biodiversity units, well-designed habitat banks represent a significant opportunity to diversify land income while delivering lasting environmental benefits.
Is your site BNG exempt?
Most developments in England must deliver a minimum 10% Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG). However, some types of development are exempt.
Use the guide below to understand whether BNG is likely to apply to your site. If you are unsure at any stage, we can review your proposal and confirm your requirements.
BNG Exemption Flow Guide
Step 1 — Does your project require planning permission?
No
Yes
Step 2 — Is it a householder application?
For example extensions, loft conversions, or domestic outbuildings within residential curtilage.
No
Yes
Step 3 — Does the development meet the de minimis threshold?
Development is exempt from BNG if it affects:
Less than 25 square metres of on-site habitat
Less than 5 metres of linear habitat (such as hedgerow)
No priority habitat is affected
No
Yes
Step 4 — Is the development one of the following exempt types?
Self-build or custom build development (meeting statutory criteria)
Development granted temporary planning permission
Biodiversity gain sites (land being enhanced for BNG itself)
Development forming part of the high-speed rail transport network
No
Yes
Step 5 — Is it permitted development?
Some permitted development may be exempt, depending on the specific class and whether prior approval is required.
No
Yes
Important to know
Even very small habitat losses can require BNG if priority habitat is affected. Eligibility for exemption depends on both planning classification and on-site ecological conditions.
Still unsure?
We provide clear, early-stage exemption reviews to confirm whether BNG applies before you progress with planning.
We can help with:
Checking your development against statutory exemption criteria
Preliminary habitat and site review
Advice before planning submission
Confirming whether a full BNG assessment is required
If you’re unsure whether BNG applies to your site,
we can provide a straightforward assessment and advise on the next steps.
Experienced Surveyors
Proven Track Record
Proportionate Approach
Timely Reporting
