UNITS VS CREDITS

Habitat bank units vs statutory BNG credits.

Developers should understand the difference between off-site BNG units from habitat banks and statutory biodiversity credits.

BNG RESOURCE · UPDATED 26 JULY 2026

Decision-ready guidance for England's BNG market.

Units from legally secured gain sites that create or enhance real habitat and can be allocated to developments.

Government credits intended as a last-resort route when on-site and off-site options cannot meet the requirement.

Off-site units normally sit before statutory credits in the biodiversity gain hierarchy.

Habitat bank units need site-specific ecological, legal, HMMP and registration/allocation evidence.

Price is only one factor; timing, acceptability, habitat type and local relevance also matter.

Habitat banks can channel development demand into long-term land-based habitat recovery.

Developers should avoid leaving BNG unit sourcing too late in the planning programme.

A credible off-site unit package is usually stronger than relying on a last-resort mechanism early.

COMMON QUESTIONS

Not usually. Statutory credits are designed as a last resort, while habitat bank units deliver specific off-site habitat gain.

The hierarchy expects on-site and off-site options to be considered before statutory credits.

Yes. Off-site units need enforceable long-term habitat delivery and management.

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