Source · Select Committees · Environmental Audit Committee
Recommendation 45
45
Paragraph: 197
To allow the biodiversity net gain policy to fulfil its transformative potential within the UK’s...
Recommendation
To allow the biodiversity net gain policy to fulfil its transformative potential within the UK’s built environment we recommend that: • The Government should explain how and when it will move to embedding environmental net gain in the planning system, with clear actions and milestones provided to achieve this goal. • Mandatory gains should endure, rather than only being maintained for the stated 30 year minimum. • The Government should strengthen local authority capacity and enforcement mechanisms to deliver biodiversity net gain and developers should demonstrate their environmental performance and implementation of mitigation measures as part of good Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance. • The National Planning Policy Framework should be reviewed to ensure reforms strengthen biodiversity restoration and protection and any proposals which undermine biodiversity be addressed.
Paragraph Reference:
197
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
The Environment Bill will ensure that new developments enhance biodiversity and deliver measurable ‘Biodiversity Net Gain’ (BNG). This means developers will be required to ensure habitats for wildlife are left in a measurably better state than they were before the development. This will be achieved by applying the Biodiversity Metric to calculate the losses and gains from development and ensure a minimum 10% gain is achieved. Biodiversity Net Gain is a key tool to halt the decline in species abundance by 2030, as the Environment Bill requires us to do. It will make an important contribution towards achieving our wider environmental ambitions, including those set out in the 25 Year Environment Plan. The Government recognises the important role that Biodiversity Net Gain can play in contributing to nature’s recovery and is committed to ensuring that the policy is implemented effectively. We will continue to work with stakeholders to ensure that the policy is fit for purpose and that it delivers the intended benefits for biodiversity.