FOI request (FOIR-696119979)

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)

Requested Fri 14 March 2025
Responded Fri 04 April 2025

Since the implementation of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) legislation in February 2024:

1. The number of planning applications submitted to your local authority that were considered (a) large sites, (b) small sites as per the BNG classification.

2. What percentage of (a) large sites and (b) small sites had completed and submitted the relevant BNG documentation with their application (that is, statement of applicability, pre-development biodiversity value of the on-site habitat, description of any irreplaceable habitat, on-site habitat plan)?

3. What percentage of (a) large sites and (b) small sites planned to deliver the BNG (a) through fully onsite habitat creation and enhancement, (b) fully offsite compensation or (c) a combination of onsite/offsite?

4. The number of planning applications refused based on biodiversity-related concerns.

5. The number of staff working on implementing BNG at the end of 2023 and at the end of 2024.

Response

1a. 6

1b. 19

2. Information not held.

3. Information not held.

4. Reasons for refusal can be found on the decision notice of refused applications on our Planning Public Access website:

https://publicaccess.hastings.gov.uk/online-applications/

5. 6 staff working on implementation in addition to their normal roles.