The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) have launched 2 consultations on improving the implementation of biodiversity net gain for minor, medium and brownfield development and Biodiversity Net Gain for nationally significant infrastructure projects.
Improving the implementation of Biodiversity Net Gain for minor, medium and brownfield development
The consultation includes options around extending exemptions, simplifying the small sites metric and increasing ease of access to the off-site market. It also addresses specific challenges for brownfield developments. This consultation closes at 11:59pm on 24 July 2025. More information can be found here.
Biodiversity Net Gain for nationally significant infrastructure projects
DEFRA are proposing to introduce Biodiversity Net Gain for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) from May 2026. This will provide a clear framework to ensure new major infrastructure developments leave biodiversity in a measurably better state than before development took place.
This will contribute to the Government’s legally binding Environment Act 2021 targets for biodiversity, and provide wider benefits for climate change adaptation and mitigation.
This consultation closes at 11:59pm on 24 July 2025. More information can be found here.
