Since 6 August 2026, the rules on mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) in England have changed for new planning applications. The headline change is a new exemption for sites of 0.2 hectares or less, measured across the whole red line boundary. There are important catches. The exemption does not apply if the development would harm priority habitat on site. A separate exemption now covers temporary development where land is reinstated within five years. The self-build and custom build exemption has been removed for new applications, although small self-build plots may still qualify under the 0.2 ha rule. Minor sites above the threshold can now go straight to off-site units rather than working through the usual on-site-first hierarchy. The changes are not retrospective. Applications submitted, and permissions granted, before 6 August stay under the old rules, and existing BNG conditions must still be met. Exempt sites are still subject to protected species law and the mitigation hierarchy, and councils still expect nature-friendly features.
How Root3 can help:
Not sure whether your site is exempt? Our ecologists can check your red line, screen for priority habitat and advise whether a BNG assessment is needed, before you spend money on reports you don’t need. Contact Root3 Associates in Tadcaster for a quick site appraisal.