Anticipated changes to mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) were announced yesterday (16 Dec) by MHCLG amid wider planning changes and reforms.
Whilst we wait to hear the Government’s full response to the BNG consultations expected early next year, these announcements have outlined what we should expect for small, brownfield and medium developments, and confirm BNG for nationally significant infrastructure projects (NSIPs) will go live in May 2026.
The government has said it will introduce an exemption for smaller sites (up to 0.2 hectares). After worries this could have been even higher this is a better outcome than expected, following concerns raised by the LI and others. We question the impact this change might have for nature and will seek evidence for the decision.
LI holds serious concerns over a potential announcement of BNG exemptions
Included in the potential BNG revisions is an additional targeted exemption for residential brownfield developments up to 2.5 hectares. We are concerned that with this, the full impact of often overlooked ecosystems on previously developed land could be severely undervalued and written off. Despite often being in urban locations they support a mosaic of habitats and provide vital benefits for local communities.
The announcement goes on to say there will be measures to make it easier, quicker, and cheaper to deliver BNG offsite, which will benefit medium-sized development. Whilst the LI advocated making it easier for developers to do the right thing, and unlock complex, time-consuming administration, it will be important to see the detail on how this is applied. The Mitigation Hierarchy is an important tool in the box (avoid, minimise, restore, offset) and must be strongly enforced with on-site measures and locations preferably close to the site.
The LI will be monitoring developments in this area and would welcome feedback and contributions from our members. Please contact tracy.whitfield@landscapeinstitute.org.
National Planning Policy Framework: proposed reforms and other changes to the planning system
The government’s NPPF reforms are a pivotal moment for the landscape sector. The transition to a universal, 30-month plan-led system offers both a challenge and an opportunity to elevate landscape-led development.
We welcome the proposed formalisation of Golden Rules and the integration of Local Design Codes. By mandating infrastructure delivery and tree-lined streets, the framework moves placemaking from a discretionary activity to a regulatory requirement. The focus on Strategic Green Infrastructure will provide an opportunity for landscape professionals to ensure nature recovery is delivered in tandem with housing growth.
However, the Landscape Institute has concerns regarding the 30-month deadline for Local Plans. Rapid delivery must not come at the expense of robust Landscape Character Assessments or meaningful community engagement. Furthermore, we urge the government to ensure that essential green space and sustainable drainage systems are not removed from plans in the drive for higher profit margins. We call for additional landscape expertise to be embedded in projects from the outset to ensure new Grey Belt and other developments are sustainable, resilient and delivered to support people, place and nature.
We will be responding to the consultation on a revised NPPF (deadline 10 March 2026) and would welcome the contributions of LI members in this work. Please contact Andrew.Rylah@landscapeinstitute.org if you would like to be involved.
Image credit: HTA Design
