A Biodiversity Gain Plan is the formal document that demonstrates how a development will meet its statutory Biodiversity Net Gain requirements. It must be submitted to the local planning authority and approved before any development activity begins. Without an approved Biodiversity Gain Plan, development cannot legally proceed.
The Biodiversity Gain Plan sets out key information, including:
• the pre development biodiversity value of the site
• the post development biodiversity value that will be achieved
• how at least a 10 percent net gain will be delivered
• whether gains will be provided on site, off site, or through statutory credits
• how the habitats will be managed and monitored over 30 years
• evidence that legal agreements securing these gains are in place
Once submitted, the local planning authority has eight weeks to determine the plan. They will assess whether the calculations are correct, whether the biodiversity metric has been applied properly, and whether the proposed measures align with the mitigation hierarchy and statutory framework.
A high quality Biodiversity Gain Plan increases approval chances and avoids unnecessary delays. Eco Capital supports developers in preparing robust plans that meet planning requirements and integrate effectively with project timelines. Developers who plan early, secure habitats in advance, and prepare high quality documentation are best positioned for smooth approval.
