New regulations require evidence of a long-term biodiversity gain plan for each new site. Paul Brown, geospatial environmental data expert at Fera Science, shares best practice advice on where to start.

From last month, those applying for planning permission under the Town & Country Planning Act 1990 must submit a biodiversity gain plan with each application, detailing how 10% (minimum) biodiversity net gain (BNG) will be achieved and maintained for at least 30 years.

As best practice, it is recommended to follow the widely used ‘mitigation hierarchy’ framework to build a site-specific BNG plan.

The first stage of the hierarchy is avoidance. Developers should assess if a site development can be avoided altogether if it affects sensitive habitats, or whether alternative land can be used.

Next is minimisation. If no other options are available, actions to minimise biodiversity impacts must be prioritised, then a plan how to support or enhance habitats through the next step, restoration, should be created. This stage involves incorporating habitat restoration or creation efforts into a site’s design.

With scientific support, an effective biodiversity restoration strategy can help ensure at least 10% net gain is achieved for a minimum of 30 years. A lost section of habitat can be replaced with one which delivers greater benefits to nature. For example, replacing grazing grassland with mixed woodland to provide protection for more species of plants and animals to thrive will give a much greater benefit to biodiversity levels.

Finally, offsetting is necessary when unavoidable impacts occur, requiring BNG projects on-site or off-site to achieve 10% uplift. Offsetting off-site can be complex. These gains should support wider conservation strategies, locally and nationally, in addition to each individual site’s BNG aims.

Off-site BNG delivery also requires sourcing, financing, and managing by a third party, which can be costly.

However, options are out there, including habitat banks that make sourcing off-site units much quicker.

If it is not possible cannot source off-site biodiversity units privately, they can be bought from the government’s statutory biodiversity credits scheme as a last resort. These BNG credits are deliberately priced uncompetitively to encourage investment in new habitat creation projects.

Science-based evidence
To achieve the best outcome from planning applications, decisions will need to justified with science-based evidence that shows the forecasted outcomes of each site’s BNG plan.

Gaining support from expert ecologists can help developers create a site-specific BNG plan more efficiently and effectively. Using science-based technology to capture and analyse environmental data in detail, ecologists can help developers build a current biodiversity baseline, then assess options for impact minimisation, biodiversity restoration and offsetting strategies.

Building a BNG plan on robust science and data will help it stand up to scrutiny from planning authorities.

Ecologists can help use the biodiversity baseline to forecast outcomes of proposed BNG projects, proving how the 10% threshold will be met and maintained for the required 30 years, minimum.

This information helps validate a BNG plan, evidencing how a developer has tailored their impact mitigation and biodiversity gain strategies to local ecological factors, to deliver a positive and traceable result for the environment. Demonstrating careful consideration, with the support of an expert ecologist, will definitely work in developers’ favour when sourcing planning permission.

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One reason for buying a new home is because it can be entirely personalised. Steve Hird, director at Edward Thomas Interiors, looks at the evolution of options suites and why housebuilders should take cues from retail.

As buyers are exposed to more choices via social media and online platforms, the expectation for an ‘experience’ or ‘journey’ is even more prevalent. High street stores and car retailers are creating incredible, Instagrammable spaces for potential purchasers and housebuilders need to follow suit.

In the last decade or so, the sales centre concept has really evolved and a significant part of this is the presentation of options and upgrades. It’s no longer acceptable to portion a tiny corner of the sales cabin with a handful of choices. To remain competitive, housebuilders now need a dedicated area, away from the main point of enquiry, where purchasers aren’t rushed and can make decisions in peace.

So, what should an options centre look like?

A standalone space is preferable. It’s private, will have plenty of room for display and, unlike using a room within a showhome, it does not disrupt the natural flow of a house. A converted double garage has typically been the default choice for many developers but more recently, we’re seeing purpose-designed sales centres that are single level yet subtly subdivided so an options suite is positioned in an annex or side room.

In terms of presentation, this is where the retail example is crucial. All choices must be displayed to sell, meaning they are visible, easily comparable, and easy to understand what the standard range is and what is an upgrade. This includes essential options such as cabinetry, tiling and flooring but newer displays we’ve incorporated show electrical sockets, taps, sinks, shower heads and splashbacks.

A growing trend to watch is digital technology. Some housebuilders have requested in-built touchscreens or VR rooms where purchasers can mix and match their options and see how they will look. So for instance how kitchen cabinetry compares with worktops, how bathrooms look with full or half height tiling, how flooring matches, etc.

The final question is whether an options suite should follow a ‘template’ layout or be designed bespoke to suit the development.

Retaining brand identity is important, so colourways & materials should match the wider sales centre. This ensures the purchaser’s journey within the sales complex remains intact. However, an options suite is all about personalisation, so if there are opportunities to incorporate elements of the local area then this is advisable as it helps reinforce the purchaser’s connection (and commitment) to the development.

All this being said, the space must suit the customer profile too. If your development is aimed at first-time buyers, it’s no good having an exclusive, high-end hotel feel options suite that is unattainable. Similarly, if your product is executive, high six or seven figure homes, you don’t want a sparsely furnished or overly corporate environment. As always with design, the devil’s in the detail.

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