Enfield’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.

Enfield’s pre-application advice service can be found here.

Enfield is part of the Greater London Local Nature Recovery Strategy. Information can be found here.

Specific BNG requirements are set out in policy GB4 of the BNG Guide (drafted 25 March 2024).

As a general rule, biodiversity gain should be provided on site. Where this is not practicable or viable (e.g., due to its size or location), off-site mitigation measures will be sought from developers to achieve net gain of at least an equivalent standard in line with the provisions set out in the biodiversity metric. Any contributions will be calculated on a site-by-site basis, based on the cost of mitigation.

Contributions will be sought towards enhancements to Enfield’s emerging nature recovery network and the DEFRA funded Enfield Chase Landscape Recovery Programme as well as to the creation of buffer zones, removal of invasive species, planting of native species and river restoration projects (as set out in Enfield’s Blue and Green Strategy and Biodiversity Action Plan). Applicants should also consider opportunities to upgrade and enhance existing sites of nature conservation importance (as shown on the Policies Map) and habitat corridors within non designated areas. In line with DEFRA guidelines these measures will need to be maintained over a minimum of 30 years.

Enfield’s Emerging Local Plan sets out the ambition for 20% Biodiversity Net Gain across Enfield to address the strategic opportunities for nature recovery in the borough. Once the plan is adopted this will be a requirement. Until that time, the NPPF states that local planning authorities may give weight to relevant policies in emerging plans, and therefore the requirement is a material consideration.

A new Local Plan is currently being developed.

Specific Strategic Significance requirements are set out in policy GB4 of the BNG Guide (drafted 25 March 2024).

All proposals for biodiversity net gain in Enfield will be required to have regard to the emerging Enfield Chase Landscape Recovery Strategy and subsequent London Local Nature Recovery Strategy. The Blue and Green Infrastructure Strategy sets out the evidence demonstrating that there are clear ecological benefits to investing in biodiversity net gain within Enfield. For the purposes of the Biodiversity Metric Calculation, the Enfield Chase Landscape Recovery Area is defined as having High Strategic Significance. Proposals which could lead to losses of biodiversity within the Enfield Chase Landscape Recovery Area will be resisted, even where compensatory credits can be provided elsewhere as this could compromise the area’s strategic significance. Particular priority will be given towards contributions to native tree planting, river naturalisation and other habitat creation schemes in this area which compliment public accessibility.