Biodiversity Net Gain on Farm Planning Applications

A new hurdle for farm applications, and a new opportunity

Since 2024, most planning permissions in England have had to deliver at least a 10% biodiversity net gain. That means leaving the habitat on the site measurably better than before, using the government's biodiversity metric. For farmers it can add cost to an application, but it can also become a new income.

When it applies

Mandatory net gain applies to planning permissions granted on applications, for major development since February 2024 and smaller sites since April 2024. It does not apply to:

• permitted development, including agricultural prior notifications, Class Q and Class R
• householder applications
• development that affects only a very small area of habitat

From 6 August 2026, new applications on sites of 0.2 hectares or less are also exempt, unless they affect priority habitat on site. Temporary development where the land is restored within 5 years is exempt too. The separate exemption for self build homes has been removed.

How net gain is delivered

1. On site: new hedges, trees, ponds or grassland within your application area.
2. Off site: habitat created elsewhere, often on other land you own or through a habitat bank.
3. Statutory credits: a last resort, bought from government.

Significant habitat gains must usually be secured and managed for at least 30 years.

The opportunity for farmers

Land that is less productive can be turned into habitat and sold as off site units to developers who need them. Get advice before you commit land for 30 years. Our farm planning consultants in Oxfordshire and our wider team across the UK help farmers plan both sides.

How Foxes Rural can help

We check whether net gain applies, work with ecologists on the metric and build it into your planning case from the start, so it does not hold up your application.