Chapter 7Environmental Assessments & Permitting
R18On Track

Modify the implementation of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)

Modify BNG implementation

Full Recommendation Text

When BNG is extended over to the NSIP/DCO process, it should, in the case of low-carbon infrastructure:

  1. Exclude land used for temporary purposes.
  2. Cover only land actually affected, rather than the entire Order Limits.
  3. Include preserved habitats as a positive outcome of the end state.
  4. And keep to one BNG calculation throughout, even if policy changes during the approvals process.

Decommissioning activities (both civil and defence) should be entirely excluded from BNG requirements.

Update Timeline
On Track

Government Response: Proportionate BNG framework for NSIPs confirmed

The Government will introduce a proportionate and streamlined Biodiversity Net Gain framework for NSIPs, addressing all Taskforce recommendations (18 A-D). Smaller decommissioning activities under 0.2 hectares will be exempt from BNG requirements. DEFRA, DESNZ and NDA are continuing to gather evidence to inform the detailed framework design. This is a comprehensive acceptance of the Taskforce's position on BNG reform.

Policy Paper • DESNZ, March 2026
Full acceptance of BNG reform recommendations with clear exemption for small decommissioning.
Ownership

Primary Owner

DEFRA

Key Regulators

Natural England
Delivery Timeline
31 Dec 26

Taskforce target: December 2026

Scope

Sectors

civildefence

Domains

environmentalplanning
Implementation Type
secondary legislationguidance

The content in this tracker is partially AI-generated based on the Nuclear Regulatory Taskforce report. We have worked hard to ensure it is accurate, but some of the titles, descriptions, etc. may be slightly different or truncated. If you find any errors or inaccuracies, please report them to us.