Biodiversity Net Gain Habitat Bank

Planning Permission Secured for Landmark Biodiversity Net Gain Habitat Bank at Ashurst

KLW Planning is delighted to announce that Tunbridge Wells Borough Council has recently granted planning permission for an innovative Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) habitat bank at Ashurst, near Tunbridge Wells, on behalf of Wates Wildscape. The project will transform land alongside the River Medway into a rich wetland landscape, helping to deliver measurable biodiversity improvements while providing valuable BNG credits for future development.

The wider habitat bank extends across 16.8 hectares, with planning permission required for the excavation of eight ponds within a 1.02-hectare application site. These ponds will form the centrepiece of a wider habitat creation project comprising wetlands, scrapes, species-rich grassland, native hedgerows and wet woodland, creating a diverse landscape that will support wildlife and improve habitat connectivity.

The scheme represents an excellent example of how planning can facilitate nature recovery. The ponds alone are expected to achieve a Biodiversity Net Gain uplift of more than 373%, with the completed habitat bank delivering around 105 wetland BNG units. In addition to supporting biodiversity, the project will enhance local water quality, improve floodplain function and provide long-term environmental benefits within the River Medway corridor.

The site lies within the High Weald National Landscape, the Metropolitan Green Belt and the functional floodplain of the River Medway, requiring careful consideration of planning policy, ecology and flood risk. KLW Planning worked closely with Wates Wildscape and the wider consultant team to prepare the planning application, coordinate supporting technical information and demonstrate compliance with local and national planning policy.

This exciting project showcases how collaborative planning can successfully balance environmental enhancement with the needs of sustainable development. KLW Planning is proud to have supported Wates Wildscape in securing consent for a scheme that will deliver lasting ecological benefits for the area while helping to meet the growing demand for Biodiversity Net Gain credits.