Braintree’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.

Braintree’s pre-application advice service can be foundhere.

Braintree is part of the Greater Essex Local Nature Recovery Strategy. Information can be foundhere.

Specific BNG requirements are set out in Policy LPP 52 i of the Local Plan (adopted July 2022).

Landscape proposals should consist of native plant species and their design shall promote and enhance local biodiversity and historic environmental assets. Biodiversity net gain in line with the requirements of national policy through the provision of new priority habitat where appropriate is encouraged. Development layouts must be appropriately designed to accommodate structural tree and hedge planting and ensure that future interference with highway safety, roads, pavements, services and properties is minimised.

See also the Braintree BNG Page.

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