How does Biodiversity Net Gain affect developers?
As of the 12th February 2024, the Environment Act (2021) states that all developments requiring planning permission need a detailed Biodiversity Net Gain plan approved by the Local Planning Authority before any development works can begin. The bill is part of the Government’s 25 Year Plan to leave the environment, within a generation, in a better place than when we found it.
“The purpose of the biodiversity gain plan is to provide a clear and consistent document with which a developer sets out how the proposals meet the biodiversity net gain objective. The biodiversity gain plan contains the relevant information for the planning authority to determine whether the biodiversity net gain objective has been met.”
How can TOE help?
Meeting your Biodiversity Net Gain obligations can seem daunting. TOE provides a complete off-set site service.
We can:
locate the right units in the right place
register sales
issue a certificate that is accepted by LPAs as evidence of the discharge of a Planning Condition
provide reports and updates as required.
Knowing this element of your development is being handled by trusted, known providers gives peace of mind and security.
Why use TOE?
TOE is a recognised local offsetting provider, known by Local Planning Authorities, with a proven track record of delivering Biodiversity Net Gain projects across the county.
In Oxford City Council, South Oxfordshire, Vale of White Horse and West Oxfordshire districts, a certificate from TOE, issued upon receipt of funds, is accepted by the LPA as evidence of the discharge of a Planning Condition.
In Cherwell, we can discuss offset requirements with developers and LPAs on a case-by-case basis.
TOE is a registered charity and non-profit company with regulated financial processes that has been operating in Oxfordshire since 2011.
The planning process can take time and we understand needs can change, so we make sure that the units are there for when you need them.
This service has been developed in partnership with Local Planning Authorities.
How we work
If an offset requirement is placed in a Planning Condition:
You will need to commission a baseline habitat survey of the development site, undertaken by a qualified ecologist. The ecologist will also need to fill out the relevant Biodiversity Net Gain Metric.
Upon receipt of the completed relevant Metric, TOE will issue you with a quote.
Once the payment is made, TOE will issue you with a certificate and take on the responsibility for delivering the offset and net gain, subject to LPA approval.
Net gain funding will be allocated to sites within the District Council area where the impact from development is located.
Once the certificate has been issued, TOE becomes accountable directly to the Local Authority and the developer need have no further involvement or responsibility.
How we provide effective, quantifiable gains for biodiversity in Oxfordshire
We identify suitable receptor sites where required BNG can be delivered.
TOE will:
Identify sites within the Local Authority area. For Oxford City Council, efforts will be made to deliver projects as close to the city as possible;
Develop a site management plan with the landowner and ensure this is funded;
Put in place necessary contractual terms to cover a BNG project over a 30+ year period, including a payment schedule;
Ensure that the site is monitored for the lifetime of the BNG (again, 30+ years); and
Document the required biodiversity enhancements to the Local Authority.
Please contact us to make an enquiry.