General Advice
Local validation requirements here
Wakefield’s BNG level is set at 10%.
The NPPF states: "applicants are encouraged to consider biodiversity net gain early in the development process and factor it into site selection and design. Where appropriate, they should discuss the biodiversity net gain requirements for their development upfront with the relevant local planning authority utilising any pre-application advice services offered by them. This could help establish whether development proposals would be subject to biodiversity net gain and, if they are, enable feedback on the proposed strategy for achieving the biodiversity gain objective and consideration of the Biodiversity Gain Hierarchy to inform the design of the proposals"
Please note, If you work for the LPA and wish to add additional information, please inform the Joe's Blooms team here.
Pre-Application Advice Service
Wakefield’s pre-application advice service can be foundhere.
Local Nature Recovery Strategy
Wakefield is part of the West Yorkshire Local Nature Recovery Strategy. Information can be foundhere.
Specific Requirements
Specific BNG requirements are set out in Policy 7.185 of the Local Plan (adopted January 2024).
Biodiversity net gain will be delivered on-site, off-site or, with the agreement of the planning authority, by paying for biodiversity units. The Wakefield Residential Design Guide for Housebuilders provides some suggestions for providing net gains for biodiversity, which is applicable to any development. Local Nature Recovery Strategies will guide opportunities for recovering or enhancing biodiversity. The Council has further guidance for householders and developers in relation to biodiversity net gain.
Strategic Significance
Strategic Significance requirements are set out in Policy 5.8 of the BNG Planning Document (Adopted May 2024).
High = Within the Wildlife Habitat Network, Habitats of Principle Importance (Wakefield and UK Priority Habitats) and the following sites designated for nature conservation: Local Wildlife Sites Local Geological Sites Local Nature Reserves Sites of Special Scientific Interest Special Area of Conservation Ancient Woodlands
Medium = Provides ecological linkages to the above locations. Professional judgement should be used here and explained within the supporting text.
Low = Everywhere else in the District.