KLW Planning develops BNG expertise through CPD session with Native Ecology
KLW Planning recently welcomed Amy Wright, Head of Ecology at Native Ecology, and Sam Simpson to deliver a CPD session on Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG).
With BNG now an established part of the planning system, the session provided a useful opportunity for the KLW team to refresh and develop our understanding of how BNG is assessed and, in particular, how the statutory biodiversity metric is used to calculate biodiversity units from a site's existing habitat baseline and proposed development.
The session also covered the latest changes to the BNG regime introduced in August 2026, including new exemptions for certain small developments of 0.2 hectares or less and temporary developments, as well as the removal of the previous exemption for new self-build and custom-build applications.
Understanding how BNG is calculated and applied is increasingly important to the planning process. For planning consultants, this knowledge helps when advising clients on development opportunities, assessing site capacity and working with architects, ecologists and other consultants to develop appropriate layouts and proposals.
The session provided valuable insight into how ecological considerations can be incorporated at an earlier stage of the planning and design process, helping to inform decisions around site capacity, layout, habitat retention and enhancement, while also identifying opportunities to deliver wider biodiversity benefits through development.
We would like to thank Amy and Sam at Native Ecology for an informative and practical session and for sharing their expertise with the KLW Planning team.
At KLW Planning, we are committed to keeping our knowledge and understanding of the planning system up to date, allowing us to provide informed and effective advice to our clients as planning policy and legislation continue to evolve.
