Biodiversity net gain…delayed?
Whilst not yet formally announced by the Government, it appears the anticipated biodiversity net gain obligations to form part of the planning system could be delayed until 2024.
It was expected that the biodiversity net gain requirements contained within the Environment Act 2021 would come into effect for the majority of sites in November 2023, with small sites already delayed until April 2024.
It would perhaps be unsurprising if the implementation date for these detailed obligations is delayed, given the secondary legislation still awaited to resolve a number of the outstanding points.
If the implementation date is pushed back, could this provide the opportunity to ensure that all parties involved in the planning system, from applicants and developers to local planning authorities, are prepared in advance and understand the requirements? This will inevitably be crucial for the successful implementation of biodiversity net gain.
Subcribe to news and views"Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) was meant to become a mandatory part of the planning system in England in November. But government sources told the BBC it will now not be introduced this year."
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-66927242