Recommendation 142

When new costs are introduced—most recently with the introduction of biodiversity net gain—they can present challenges for viability on sites purchased before the requirements were in place. Homes England told us “this is thought to be a diminishing impact as going forward biodiversity net gain will be designed into schemes from the outset.” 190 Warwickshire County Council experienced little challenge from developers on mandatory biodiversity off-setting because they appreciated the certainty provided by the policy: “developers knew why they were doing it and how to do it.” 191 Successful recreational impact schemes where fixed costs per home are charged by the relevant LPA have not caused long-term reductions in housing delivery. 192 Where costs remain unpredictable, or requirements change unexpectedly, this certainty cannot be achieved.