Epping Forest’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.

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

Epping Forest is part of the Greater Essex Local Nature Recovery Strategy. Information can be found here.

Specific BNG Requirements are set out in Policy 2.154 of the Local Plan (adopted March 2023).

The Plan provides a positive strategy for the protection and enhancement of the natural environment and recognises its role in adapting to climate change. National planning policy and legislation supports measures including the development of linked, multifunctional spaces networks, and habitat and species protection which seek to achieve net gains in biodiversity. This is commonly known as green and blue infrastructure (the blue referring to the water environment) whilst any component can be termed an ‘asset’.

See also the BNG Page.

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