Please note - these exemptions are PROPOSED and have not yet been introdued yet.
Does your application fall under one of the new BNG exemption categories?
The Government has confirmed that it will introduce targeted new Biodiversity Net Gain exemptions for certain types of development.
These include some proposals relating to:
biodiversity creation or enhancement;
temporary permissions of 5 years or less;
parks, public gardens and playing fields;
certain works connected to the High Speed Railway Transport Network.
This page is for applicants whose proposal may fall into one of these specific categories.
When should I use this route?
You should use this route if your proposal is solely or mainly one of the following:
1. Biodiversity creation or enhancement
For example:
creating a habitat bank;
restoring or creating a pond;
habitat creation works;
habitat restoration works;
works whose primary purpose is to conserve or enhance biodiversity.
2. Works to playing fields or sports facilities
For example:
new cricket nets;
changing rooms;
other sports-related facilities ancillary to the existing lawful use of a playing field.
The Government has said this exemption is intended to apply to development that is ancillary to, and directly related to, the existing lawful use of the site as a playing field. It is not intended to apply where the proposal forms part of a wider residential or mixed-use development.
3. Improvements to public parks or public gardens
For example:
improved paths;
boundary treatments;
toilet facilities;
other packages of improvements to a park or public garden.
The Government has said this exemption is intended to support improvements to parks and public gardens, especially where the red line may need to cover most or all of the park or garden.
Important: priority habitats
Some of the new exemptions will not apply where onsite priority habitats are impacted.
For example, the Government has stated that the new temporary development exemption will not apply where onsite priority habitats are affected. It has also said that the targeted exemption for parks, public gardens and playing fields will apply where no onsite priority habitats are impacted.
That means you may still need to provide evidence showing whether your red line boundary affects priority habitat.
What should I do next?
If your proposal is solely or mainly for one of the categories listed above, please claim the exemption. However, before you continue please only use this route if your proposal is genuinely one of the categories above.