Please note that this LPA has stated that it wants a BNG uplift of higher than 10%. See specific requirements.
General Advice
Local validation requirements here
Cambridge’s BNG level is set at 20%.
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
Cambridge’s pre-application advice service can be found here.
Local Nature Recovery Strategy
Cambridge is part of the Cambridgeshire Local Nature Recovery Strategy. Information can be found here.
Specific Requirements
Specific BNG Requirements are set out in the Biodiversity Policy.
The policy will require development to achieve a minimum 20% biodiversity net gain, noting that:
Net gain calculations should be submitted using the Defra Metric 3.0 or its successor
Net gain should be delivered on-site where possible, recognising that for smaller developments in particular, more significant and long-lasting biodiversity enhancements may be achieved via contributions towards off-site, larger scale projects.
Where it is agreed that off-site habitat measures would bring greater biodiversity benefits than on-site measures, these must be consistent with the strategic aims of the green infrastructure network strategic initiatives (see BG/GI)
The Councils will seek to use planning conditions to secure on site habitat creation and its long-term management, and obligations where BNG is on land outside the applicant’s control
A new Local Plan is currently being developed.
Strategic Significance
N/A