Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)

Important update

From April 2024, most developments must deliver a 10% uplift in biodiversity. CEC helps you meet this legal requirement – and make a meaningful difference for nature in Cornwall.

See more information below about our Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) for minor developments and our Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) for major developments.

BNG for Minor Developments in Cornwall

Smaller developments – such as self-builds and infill housing – now require a minimum 10% biodiversity net gain.

CEC offers a straightforward, cost-effective service tailored for these projects. We’ll help you:

  • Complete the necessary habitat survey
  • Use the full DEFRA biodiversity metric (not just the small sites one)
  • Produce your planning-ready BNG plan
  • Navigate exemptions (e.g. de minimis or self-build)
  • Understand what you can and can’t claim in private gardens

If you can’t deliver 10% on site, we’ll help you explore off-site options.

BNG for Major Developments in Cornwall

If your development is classed as major (typically 10+ homes or large-scale commercial/industrial), you must:

  • Show a 10% increase in biodiversity
  • Use the full DEFRA metric
  • Submit a Habitat Management & Monitoring Plan
  • Commit to 30 years of biodiversity maintenance
  • Integrate your plans with green infrastructure networks

CEC’s ecologists and landscape architects can guide you through every stage. We help you reduce off-site offset costs, work efficiently with planners, and secure local BNG units when needed.

BNG After Planning Permission

Meeting BNG doesn’t stop once you’ve secured planning.

CEC supports you with:

  • BNG Plans to satisfy conditions
  • Habitat Management & Monitoring Plans (HMMP)
  • Legal agreements for off-site units
  • Ongoing compliance support and site monitoring

We help you stay compliant – without the hassle.

Create a Biodiversity Net Gain Site on Your Land

Have land that’s underused or not earning what it could?

CEC helps landowners in Cornwall create BNG offset sites that:

  • Generate long-term, secure income
  • Deliver real benefits for biodiversity
  • Avoid unnecessary complexity — with expert guidance at every step

Why work with Cornwall Environmental Consultants?

We’re Cornwall’s most trusted BNG experts. As part of Cornwall Wildlife Trust, we combine ecological insight with planning experience to get better outcomes for people and nature.

We offer:

  • Habitat surveys and full DEFRA metric assessments
  • Planning-ready BNG reports and HMMPs
  • Landscape-led biodiversity designs
  • Access to local BNG units via Cornwall Wildlife Trust
  • Practical advice, with minimal jargon

Interested in how we can help?

We’re always happy to chat and share our experience; get in touch and let’s chat about your project, and we’ll help you to move forward.
Find out more

More Biodiversity Net Gain services

Create a Biodiversity Net Gain Site

We help landowners across Cornwall turn underused fields and woodland into a reliable, long-term income stream.
Create a Biodiversity Net Gain Site

Manage your land for Nature

We guide you step-by-step, ensuring your ideas become practical, achievable outcomes.
Manage Your Land For Nature
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