Islington’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.

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

Islington is part of the Greater London Local Nature Recovery Strategy. Information can be foundhere.

Specific BNG requirements are set out in the Local Plan (adopted September 2023).

C. Development proposals involving the creation of new buildings, redevelopment of existing buildings or large extensions must submit a Landscape Design Strategy (as part of the Sustainable Design and Construction Statement) which maximises green infrastructure, biodiversity and sustainable drainage. This must consider landscape design holistically from the outset of the design process and demonstrate the following:

(ii) Consideration of existing and proposed trees, hedges, shrubs and other vegetation of landscape or environmental significance, and their impact on biodiversity, sustainable drainage, air quality and urban cooling;

(iv) Maximising biodiversity benefits and ecological connectivity, including through the protection and enhancement of existing biodiversity, and the incorporation of new areas of biodiversity and opportunities for wildlife, including green roofs and vertical greening. Development proposals must aim to secure a net gain in biodiversity value, with a clear priority for on-site measures;

N/A