Government delays Biodiversity Net Gain rules until the New Year

The government has slightly delayed the implementation of Biodiversity Net Gain rules for developers, from November to the new year.

Under an updated timetable set out last week, developers in England will be required to deliver 10% Biodiversity Net Gain from January 2024 onwards when building new housing, industrial or commercial developments, meaning by law they must deliver a net positive for the local environment, for example by creating new habitats and green spaces.

Biodiversity Net Gain for small sites will still be applicable from April 2024, and implementation for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects remains planned for 2025.