Recommendation 197

Witnesses were of mixed opinions about the process for introducing biodiversity net gain. We heard from a volume housebuilder that the timeframe for introduction was appropriate and that, because housebuilders were fully consulted, they had been able to plan. 256 However, with less than six months until the policy became mandatory for the majority of developments, and well after the introduction of the policy by many LPAs, we heard that there was insufficient clarity on several key policy details 257 including the relevant metrics 258 and the pricing and approach to statutory biodiversity credits. 259 Robbie Owen, Partner at Pinsent Masons, discussing the introduction of biodiversity net gain for housing and infrastructure development explained that “It is extremely difficult, when the policy tapestry is developing around you and behind you, to try to navigate through that.” 260