Biodiversity Net Gain

There are challenges with the project to create a public greenspace on land off Rushall Road. This includes a change of use planning application. Despite retaining a field as a field we are required to submit a full planning application at the cost of £588. This is the same process as for someone wishing to build housing on the site.

We aim to manage the field for the benefit of nature and plant trees which will increase biodiversity. However, we leaned that we must comply with Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) rules and submit a baseline assessment, monitoring plan, and management plan for the next 30 years. Strangely we could apply to build up to nine self build homes which would destroy habitat without the BNG hurdles. It may seem rather odd to most people, but they are the rules.

Fortunately the land subject to the planning application is under 1 hectare and qualifies for a small site assessment which is less onerous than the full assessment. Our metrics show a habitat gain of 17.8%, and a hedgerow and tree gain of 25.4% which is well in excess of the 10% requirement. This is before we even look to restore the nearby ponds. Hopefully we can satisfy the planners. As the land belongs to SNC it must be discussed by the Development Management Committee (Planning). We will let you know the date, and maybe you could pop along to support the application.

The group must submit the planning application before knowing the outcome of the grant application, so they are personally exposed to the £588 cost. Fingers crossed.

Hurdles are challenges providing opportunities. We will continue undaunted.