General Advice
East Hertfordshire’s BNG level is set at 10%.
East Hertfordshire may require applicants to complete the following (please note that this is general guidance and that new versions of these documents may be issued from time to time):
A biodiversity questionnaire. This can be answered with the help of the Joe’s Blooms tool, especially the tools in the Basic Details section (a map of local wildlife sites can be found here).
A biodiversity checklist (see 7.4) which includes questions about biodiversity.
Ref | Checklist Criteria | Summary of approach to address the criteria |
Bio.1 | Have you submitted the East Herts biodiversity checklist? (See Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) section 7.3) | [You should point out that you have completed the checklist] |
Bio.2 | In accordance with the biodiversity checklist, does the proposal affect a protected species or habitat? (See SPD sections 7.2.4 and 7.3) | [The Joe’s Blooms “Basic Details” process performs a desk survey to see if there are priority habitats on the site. You can use the Joe’s Blooms tool to confirm whether or not there are reasonable grounds to believe that there are European Protected Species on the site] |
Bio.3 | If a protected species or habitat has been identified, has an Bio.3 ecological survey, with sufficient information been undertaken? (See SPD sections 7.2.4 and 7.3) | [If there are EPS on the site, then you should complete this with the help of a suitably qualified ecologist] |
Bio.4 | If relevant, has an ecological survey, with sufficient information been Bio.4 undertaken to assess the likely ecological impact of the development? See SPD sections 7.2 and 7.3) | [You should point out that the survey has been undertaken by a competent person, as defined in BSI standards and HM Government documentation. You can use our tool to demonstrate your competence] |
Bio.5 | Has the mitigation hierarchy been undertaken, to Bio.5 demonstrate an adverse impact on biodiversity has been avoided? If this is not possible, has the impact been mitigated and then subsequently compensated? (See SPD section 7.2.2) | [If you used the Joe’s Blooms tool you should state that you fully complied with the mitigation hierarchy, with steps taken to avoid damage to rarer habitats; consideration of on-site enhancements, then creation, and then off-site solutions in that order] |
Bio.6 | Has a biodiversity net gain been achieved? Please explain See SPD section 7.2.5) | [You should cite the number set out in the “headline results” section of the Biodiversity metric you generated with the Joe’s Blooms tool] |
Bio.7 | Has a suitable biodiversity management and monitoring strategy for the site been proposed? | [You should confirm whether or not such a strategy is needed, or whether the BGP and metric sheet are sufficient. If a management and monitoring plan is needed, you can use our guide here] |
A sustainability checklist. This contains a number of different Biodiversity Questions. Some suggested answers are in the attached pdf.
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
East Hertfordshire’s pre-application advice service can be found here.
Local Nature Recovery Strategy
East Hertfordshire is part of the Hertfordshire Local Nature Recovery Strategy. Information can be found here.
Specific Requirements
Specific BNG requirements are set out in Policy BISH3 of the District Plan (adopted October 2018).
Responding to the existing landform, incorporating existing landscaping within new streets, paths and spaces, creating quality local green infrastructure which maximises opportunities presented by existing landscape features including watercourses, to create net gains to biodiversity through additional planting and other measures. Proposals in the vicinity of Farnham Bourne and Bourne Brook will need to reflect the River Stort Catchment Management Plan.
See also the Mandatory BNG page and the Sustainability SPD.
Strategic Significance
N/A