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Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) for Farmers

We solve all aspects of BNG for you as farmers.

At Foxes Rural we understand that as a farmer if you submit a full planning application on your farm, you need to achieve 10% Biodiversity Net Gain.

This now applies to any full planning application on your farm (all permitted development is exempt).

At Foxes Rural, Katie is fully trained and has a wealth of experience on BNG.  As our in-house ecologist she will work with you throughout the process to oversee the process that you need.  This includes the baseline habitat assessment, biodiversity net gain report, and the biodiversity enhancement and management plan.

Here’s how we do it:

Instead of you having to waste time trying to comprehend the planning system on your farm, you can get hours back to work on your farm business.
  1. We appraise your farm or land as a whole and evaluate the existing ecological features of the site
  2. Using the DEFRA metric we calculate the existing biodiversity units on your site
  3. We work with you to integrate biodiversity improvements seamlessly into your development plans and calculate the post-enhancement biodiversity units ensuring 10% is reached
  4. We prepare a comprehensive Biodiversity Net Gain report proposing practical and achievable solutions to ensure successful implementation and management

Browse our mini video series

20th June 2024

28 sec

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is now mandatory on all full planning applications in the UK and affects a number of applications for farmers.  Mel and Katie explain a little about BNG and how it works. 

4th April 2024

12 sec

Katie explains how Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) impacts farm planning applications and permitted development. 

Our Unique Permitted Development guarantee

We guarantee to give you a unique and energetic planning service specifically for you as a farmer and guarantee to have any farm related permitted development planning application submitted to the Local Planning Authority within 28 days of being instructed.

Our Planning Guides

What our clients are saying

Melanies innovative approach helped us secure a Lawful Development Certificate for our extension. The seamless integration with our existing building has greatly improved our efficiency and capacity, supporting our future growth at the farm. 
Simon Heard - Fairfields Farm Operations Director
We instructed the services of Foxes Rural to oversee the planning application process for a multi-purpose agricultural building. This structure is designed to accommodate both farm machinery and a dedicated farm office, contributing significantly to the expansion of our current farmyard facilities.
Ed Ford - Childerditch Farms Partner
I worked with Foxes Rural on a planning application for our a new agricultural building and farm access.  Melanie came out to the farm to inspect in a swift manner and we achieved permission within a matter of weeks.  A very efficient service where I was kept well informed during the planning process.  We also applied for a change of use from agricultural to commercial and they swiftly resolved issues with the planning officer. 
Andrew Fairley - Henry Fairley and Son Limited Farmer
Over the last six years Guy and Melanie have helped secure multiple planning permissions for us. They are always a pleasure to work with and to date have had a 100% success rate in what we have set out to achieve. These have included new barns for arable, equine and storage, as well as residential extensions and refurbishment.  The Foxes approach is always pragmatic and realistic to achieving a successful planning outcome. I would highly recommend their services. 
Essex Farmer
Melanie worked with us to prepare a Class R change of use of one of our pole barns to commercial.  This was a permitted development application and Melanie came up with an innovative way of approaching the application and the change of use.  We have now completed the building which is providing diversified income for our farming enterprise.
Wendy French - A R French & Son Farmer
I instructed Foxes Rural to undertake planning for a new yard and grain store on our farm.  Guy came up with the solution of applying for both of these proposals using our permitted development rights rather than full planning.  Melanie handled the preparation and submission of our application and within a matter of weeks from issuing instructions, receiving approvals for both proposals. 
Robert Chamley - J W Chamley & Son Farmer
Guy and his team swiftly prepared a planning application for our business relocation to Tendring District. Facing post-submission concerns of the planning officer, Guy efficiently addressed them, securing the necessary planning consent. Thanks to Foxes Rural, we've been able to pursue rapid growth plans with significant value gained from the permission that Foxes Rural achieved for us. 
Matthew Amodio - Amobox Ltd Director
I started working with Foxes Rural two years ago on a planning application for an Agricultural Grain and Straw Store. Melanie has since achieved permission for us on multiple projects and assisted us through a retrospective planning application. Her unique and novel approach to the planning justification led to permission being granted on land we have wanted to develop since moving to the farm 20 years ago.