WHAT IS BNG?

What is BNG?

BNG stands for Biodiversity Net Gain: a measurable improvement in biodiversity connected to development and planning obligations in England.

BNG SEARCH GUIDE · UPDATED 26 JULY 2026

A practical guide for land, planning and unit decisions.

BNG means development should leave biodiversity measurably better than it was before, using a standard metric and enforceable delivery plan.

The statutory metric compares existing habitat with proposed habitat after development or enhancement.

Developers normally avoid harm, improve on-site habitats, then use off-site units if a gap remains.

Off-site BNG habitat must usually be managed and monitored for at least 30 years.

Registered gain sites and allocations make off-site delivery traceable for planning compliance.

Suitable land can generate BNG units when habitat uplift is credible, legally secured and commercially viable.

COMMON QUESTIONS

BNG stands for Biodiversity Net Gain.

The common baseline is at least 10% net gain for most qualifying development in England.

Developers or planning teams buy units when they cannot deliver enough gain within their own development site.

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