Following a call for evidence from members, and presentations by Defra officials at both the Natural capital and Contaminated land groups, we have now finalised EIC’s submission to the consultation on Biodiversity Net Gain implementation. 

Following the introduction of the Environment Act last year, and the requirement for all appropriate developments to deliver a minimum 10% net gain in biodiversity, the Government is consulting on how it will be implemented.

Led by Defra and supported by agency Natural England, the consultation will ensure the Government can deliver on its pledge to make sure new developments better protect and enhance nature and wildlife while delivering better places to live, and our environment is left in a better state for future generations.

Feedback from members has demonstrated the work already underway in driving this agenda throughout communities, and that members are ready to support Government to implement its net gain principles. The creation of biodiversity net gain sites, the net gain register, and biodiversity credits are of particular interest to members of the Natural capital group.

With a focus on brownfield, members of the Contaminated land group that responded to the call for evidence highlighted important points around the list of exemptions and reinforced arguments made in EIC's ongoing brownfield first campaign.

Commenting on the consultation, Guto Davies, head of policy at EIC said: “The scale of the consultation highlights the importance and indeed, opportunity, that the implementation of biodiversity net gain provides. Our submission promotes the ways in which EIC members can, and are already, working to deliver on Government priorities. We look forward to further engagement with DEFRA and Natural England as they move forward with implementing new proposals."

Read our previous article on the consultation. Download our consultation response below.