Is an “abuse of exemptions” holding back Biodiversity Net Gain?

Oliver Lewis, CEO of Joe’s Blooms, says small sites should play a bigger role in restoring nature: “The abuse of the exemptions policy, especially the de minimis, is holding back progress in meeting nature restoration targets, including with small sites which make up the majority of planning applications,” says Oliver Lewis, CEO of Joe’s Blooms.  

“By making small changes to the exemptions regime, the government can unlock sustainable growth and reverse the biodiversity crisis in a win for both housing and nature,” Blooms said.

However Nick White, Principal Advisor – Net Gain at Natural England, suggests the change in exemptions is not unexpected and anticipates that numbers will stabilise: “There was some uncertainty about the precise definition of this exemption which has now been clarified. This should ensure the exemption is correctly applied going forwards.

“Many planning applications are for very small-scale projects which have little or no impact on nature and these are exempt from BNG,” says White. “Overall we are seeing a declining trend in exemptions as understanding of BNG beds in. I would expect to see the figure [of de minimis exemptions] stabilise and drop a bit over time.”

Biodiversity Net Gain went live in February 2024 for major developments and April 2024 for small sites with legally binding targets that developments achieve a 10% net positive impact on biodiversity. Exemptions to BNG include self-build and custom developments.

Find out more Read the report Biodiversity Net Gain: The Story So Far