The NPPF and Biodiversity: What Developers Need to Know
The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) was updated in August 2026, replacing the December 2024 version. It outlines the Government’s policies for planning and making development decisions in England.
What does this mean for biodiversity?
The updated NPPF still focuses on protecting and improving the natural environment, with policies that address biodiversity and nature.
The framework says that development proposals should limit negative effects on biodiversity and include features that help priority or threatened species. If serious harm to biodiversity cannot be avoided, properly reduced, or, as a last option, compensated for, the development should not go ahead.
This is especially important with Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) requirements. Thinking about biodiversity early can help spot ecological constraints, inform site design, and create opportunities for enhancement.
What should developers consider?
Early ecological advice can help developers:
- Identify ecological constraints and opportunities.
- Inform site design and layout.
- Understand BNG requirements.
- Plan appropriate mitigation and biodiversity enhancements.
- Reduce the risk of ecological issues causing delays later in the planning process.
Since the planning system now puts more focus on biodiversity, thinking about ecology from the start can help developers make better decisions and achieve good results for both their projects and the environment.
ACJ Ecology can help guide your project through every step of ecological planning, from early assessments and habitat surveys to BNG and biodiversity improvements. Get in touch to see how we can support you.
The NPPF and Biodiversity: What Developers Need to Know
The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) was updated in August 2026, replacing the December 2024 version. It outlines the Government’s policies for planning and making decisions about development in England.
What does this mean for biodiversity?
The updated NPPF still focuses on protecting and improving the natural environment, with policies that address biodiversity and nature.
The framework says that development proposals should limit negative effects on biodiversity and include features that help priority or threatened species. If serious harm to biodiversity cannot be avoided, properly reduced, or, as a last option, compensated for, the development should not go ahead.
This is especially important with Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) requirements. Thinking about biodiversity early can help spot ecological constraints, inform site design, and create opportunities for enhancement.
What should developers consider?
Early ecological advice can help developers:
- Identify ecological constraints and opportunities.
- Inform site design and layout.
- Understand BNG requirements.
- Plan appropriate mitigation and biodiversity enhancements.
- Reduce the risk of ecological issues causing delays later in the planning process.
Since the planning system now puts more focus on biodiversity, thinking about ecology from the start can help developers make better decisions and achieve good results for both their projects and the environment.
ACJ Ecology can help guide your project through every step of ecological planning, from early assessments and habitat surveys to BNG and biodiversity improvements. Get in touch to see how we can support you.