Biodiversity Net Gain is a cornerstone of the Government’s strategy to restore and enhance nature across England. The evidence shows that exempting smaller sites up to 0.2 hectares could remove around 82% of planning applications from BNG requirements, significantly impacting the effectiveness of the policy and its potential to deliver meaningful biodiversity gains.
From the EPF letters to Ministers
In December 2025 and following the UK Government’s announcement on Biodiversity Net Gain, the Environmental Policy Forum (EPF) wrote to the recently appointed Secretaries of State for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs; and Housing, Communities and Local Government, Emma Reynolds MP and Steve Reed MP, respectively.
The letter expresses our collective concerns following the announcement of an area-based exemption from mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) for smaller sites up to 0.2 hectares.
What we’re calling for
We urge the Government to publish the evidence and impact assessments for this decision and meet with us to discuss further.
You can view a copy of our open letter via the link below.
More about EPF
The EPF is a coalition of professional bodies and learned societies representing over 160,000 qualified professionals across a variety of different disciplines. SocEnv is secretariat of the EPF and has coordinated the development of this letter, as well as being one of 11 organisations signing up in support.
Useful Information & Resources
Environmental Policy Forum Submissions
EPF response to the Land Use consultation
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