FOI request (FOIR-672057794)

Biodiversity net gain

Requested Fri 20 December 2024
Responded Tue 07 January 2025

I write with the following FOI request:

1a. What percentage biodiversity net gain does your local authority currently require on new developments?

2a. How many employees are currently directly employed by the authority to specifically/solely support the delivery of BNG requirements?

2b. Has the local authority created any new positions specifically to support the delivery of BNG requirements since 1st April 2023?

2c. If so, please provide the job titles and whether these roles are temporary or permanent.

3a. Has your authority invested in specific training or upskilling for existing staff to manage BNG assessments, requirements, or policies since 1st April 2023?

3b. If so, how much money has been invested in specific training or upskilling for existing staff to manage BNG assessments, requirements, or policies in total since 1st April 2023?

4a. Has your authority hired external consultants or third-party experts to assist with BNG implementation since 1 April 2023?

4b. If so, how much has been spent on external consultants or third-party experts to assist with BNG implementation since 1st April 2023?

5a. Has any additional budget been allocated specifically for implementing or enforcing BNG requirements?

If so, please provide the total additional budget assigned for this purpose for:

5b. 2024/25

5c. 2025/26

5b. 2026/27

Response

1a. Currently 10%. This is in accordance with the mandatory 10% BNG requirement provided for under Schedule 7A of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as inserted by Schedule 14 of the Environment Act 2021).

2a. 0

2b. No

2c. Not applicable

3a. Yes

3b. Free training

4a. Yes

4b. £13,776 (including VAT)

5a. No

5b. Not applicable

5c. Not applicable

5d. Not applicable