The government has delayed the implementation of biodiversity net gain, which was due to become a mandatory part of the English planning system in November.
The laws would commit developers to improving countryside and wildlife habitats, but will now not be introduced this year. The decision to delay its implementation has received criticism from environmentalists, with The Wildlife Trust calling the decision “another hammer blow for nature.”
The government has said that it remains committed to BNG and will soon announce a new implementation date for the policy.
The Home Builders Federation said that developers “have embraced the principle of biodiversity net gain” but that there were “significant gaps” in the guidance provided by the government.
Neil Jefferson, managing director of the HBF, said: “We need the government to deliver on its requirements so that industry can provide these huge environmental benefits alongside desperately needed new homes.”
Philip Box, public affairs and policy advisor for UKGBC, commented: “Businesses from across the industry and our membership have raised concerns regarding any potential delay.”
“This would be exceptionally damaging for them in terms of projected work pipelines, investment, supply chains, and related job roles.”
The new rules would see developers required to deliver a minimum of 10% biodiversity gain, on or off-site, with wildlife and habitats affected by a development, such as hedgerows, cropland and meadows, given a biodiversity value.
Rob Wall, assistant director of sustainability for the British Property Federation, said: “This announcement by the government has the potential to create yet more uncertainty at a time when industry is calling for greater clarity and consistency.”
“The built environment sector has a huge contribution to make in protecting and restoring nature and promoting biodiversity. That is why the BPF and our members fully support the policy intention that underpins the proposed new regulations and why developers are already actively delivering biodiversity net gain across the country. Sadly it is not clear why the introduction of mandatory BNG has been delayed, but the government now needs to set out more details on implementation as soon as possible. As part of this, we would also call on the government to confirm that adequate resourcing is available to ensure that local planning authorities are appropriately funded and skilled to implement the new regulations when they finally come into force.”
Sarah Clark, partner at lawyers, BDB Pitmans, commented: “This isn’t unexpected as the question on my clients’ lips in recent weeks has been will it happen? Landowners who were hoping to add their land to the new biodiversity site register will certainly be disappointed as this was due to be an important new income source for many of them.
