Thurrock’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.

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

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

Specific BNG requirements are set out in Policy 6.34 of the Thurrock Council Core Strategy (adopted 2011, amended 2015 ).

The NPPF states that pursuing sustainable development involves seeking positive improvements in the quality of the natural environment, moving from a net loss of biodiversity to achieving net gains for nature. It further states that the planning system should contribute to and enhance the natural environment by minimising impacts on biodiversity and providing net gains in biodiversity where possible. Thurrock Council is committed to this vision and will protect and enhance all of its designated biodiversity sites, such as Ramsar sites, Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), Local Wildlife Sites and Local Nature Reserves in accordance with the requirements of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act (2006) and the NPPF.

A new Local Plan is currently in consultation.

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