Staffordshire Moorlands’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.

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

Staffordshire Moorlands is part of the Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent Local Nature Recovery Strategy. Information can be found here.

Specific BNG Requirements are set out in Policy 7.115 of the Local Plan (adopted September 2020).

7.115 The District has a wealth of biological and geological resources many of which are statutorily protected. Government guidance states that the planning system should contribute to and enhance the natural and local environment and local planning authorities should 'set out a strategic approach in their Local Plans, planning positively for the creation, protection, enhancement and management of networks of biodiversity and green infrastructure.' The NPPF requires that distinctions are made between the hierarchy of international, national and locally designated sites. These sites are protected under separate legislation with ODPM Circular 06/2005 outlining how statutory obligations impact within the planning system and policy NE 1 will seek to reinforce their protection through the planning process. In addition the 2006 Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act states that planning authorities must in their Planmaking, have regard to the purpose of conserving biodiversity; and the Council will seek to produce net gains and enhance biodiversity having regard to the objectives and priorities for the various ecosystems identified within the Staffordshire Moorlands in the Staffordshire Biodiversity Action Plan.

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