BNG Compliance Seeding for UK Developments

BNG became mandatory for major planning applications in England from February 2024. Most developments now require a minimum 10% net gain in habitat value, measured using the Defra Biodiversity Metric. Infrastructure projects including Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects must also demonstrate net gain.  

 You need both. An ecologist calculates baseline biodiversity units, designs the habitat creation plan, and verifies outcomes against the metric. CDTS North & West implements the plan on the ground. We work from your ecologist's specification and can advise on practical habitat design during planning to ensure targets are achievable within your site conditions and programme.  

 BNG regulations require habitats to be maintained and monitored for 30 years. This typically includes annual cutting regimes for grasslands, weed control in early years, and periodic monitoring to demonstrate the habitat is achieving target condition. CDTS North & West designs habitats to minimise long-term maintenance burden by using appropriate species mixes and establishment methods that reduce intervention requirements.  

Local Planning Authorities check BNG delivery before issuing completion certificates. Failed habitats can delay project sign-off and require costly remediation. Our methods reduce this risk by using appropriate seed mixes, proper ground preparation, and proven establishment techniques. We provide documentation of works and can support first-year monitoring to catch any issues early.

Yes. Our various hydroseeders and conventional seeding equipment handle projects from half a hectare to 50+ hectares. We've delivered wildflower meadows, species-rich grasslands, woodland establishment and hedgerow seeding across major housing developments, infrastructure schemes, and land restoration projects throughout the North West, North Wales and West Midlands.