As a result, most developments in England are required to deliver a minimum 10% net increase in biodiversity*, measured using the official Defra/Natural England metric.
It means new projects leave nature in a better state than before, turning planning obligations into lasting environmental gains. Under the Environment Act 2021, BNG must be secured, often via legal agreements or conservation covenants, for at least 30 years, embedding nature recovery into the fabric of land use and planning.
The aim is to create a consistent and enforceable framework to enhance habitats, support species, and build resilience in our ecosystems, aligning with national targets and broader nature recovery goals.
