Irreplaceable habitats are areas of very high ecological value that cannot be recreated within a reasonable timescale or through standard habitat creation techniques. Examples include ancient woodlands, ancient or veteran trees, limestone pavements, and certain types of coastal or peatland environments.
These habitats receive a higher level of protection within the BNG framework. They cannot normally be offset through biodiversity units or statutory credits. Instead, developments that affect irreplaceable habitat undergo a separate planning process with stronger scrutiny and stricter requirements.
Developers are expected to avoid impacts on irreplaceable habitats entirely. In exceptional cases where impact is unavoidable, the planning system requires significant justification and the use of bespoke mitigation strategies.
The best approach is always early ecological assessment. Eco Capital helps developers identify irreplaceable habitats at an early stage so that project plans can be adapted before designs become fixed.
