BNG Hub supports local authority with habitat bank explorations..
We have been working with Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council (RMBC) to conduct Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) baseline assessments of several sites across Rotherham and South Yorkshire. 7 different potential sites were put forward for the baseline assessments, totalling approximately 220 hectares. This represents a great opportunity for the authority to provide units for developers in the local area. Developers are obliged to enhance biodiversity on site, as part of their biodiversity net gain obligations – but where this isn’t possible they are able to buy units from registered Habitat Banks. RMBC would offer units for sale from these potential new habitat banks – and the purchase of the units provides the necessary funds for the creation and enhancement of specific habitats on these sites.
This move represents an evolution of the local authority’s role, both as the Local Planning Authority, and in the future, as a land owner who can supply BNG habitat units into the market for developers.
As well as surveys carried out by experienced ecologists, reports were also completed for each of the 7 sites, detailing the baseline survey results and also outlining how net gain can be achieved on site through habitat management works. A detailed Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan (HMMP) has been produced for each site, which sets out how the habitat will be created and enhanced, and who is responsible for the maintenance, management and monitoring over a 30 year period.
We are excited to see how this develops across Rotherham and South Yorkshire for these 7 sites – if this resonates with you either as a landowner or a developer, and you need some support around Biodiversity Net Gain, get in touch – email info@thebnghub.co.uk or call us on 0114 3035123.
Read more about Biodiveristy Net Gain, offsetting and habitat banking, through our partnership with Wildscapes CIC here.