Ecology and Biodiversity Net Gain for Planning Applications

Eastleigh Borough Council’s validation requirements for Ecology and Biodiversity Net Gain are listed on the Local List for Validation of Planning Applications on pages 11-16, items 6-8.

We require additional information to be provided before determination, rather than afterwards.

Our EBC Biodiversity Planning Guidance Note explains what must be submitted and when.

There is a checklist of what is required at validation in the EBC Biodiversity Net Gain Strategy Form which must be submitted with the application.

For further information: BNG Online provides good explanations of how Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) must be considered at each stage of the planning application process. It provides links to the appropriate government guidance and answers to frequently asked questions.

Habitats for protected and notable species on site are considered separately from habitat for Biodiversity Net Gain.

EBC local plan policy DM 11 and the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) require all applications to demonstrate no net loss of biodiversity and some net gain even if they are considered exempt from providing 10% biodiversity net gain.

The Hampshire Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) identifies areas where habitat creation, restoration or enhancement would be most beneficial for nature recovery and wider environmental outcomes.

Eastleigh Borough Council holds a Great Crested Newt District (or “Organisational”) Licence, designed by NatureSpace and granted by Natural England, under which developments can now be authorised. Further information is available at direct-licensing-great-crested-newts.pdf.