Biodiversity net gain for nationally significant infrastructure projects
Applies to England
Read the full outcome
Detail of outcome
We received 10,403 responses to this consultation. 10,143 of these came from a campaign run by Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB).
Defra will implement a mandatory biodiversity net gain (BNG) framework for nationally significant infrastructure projects (NSIPs) from November 2026.
Original consultation
Consultation description
We want to know what you think about the implementation of biodiversity net gain (BNG) for nationally significant infrastructure projects (NSIPs). The government is committed to achieving sustainable economic growth to improve the prosperity of our country. The development of high-quality nature-positive infrastructure will support this mission.
BNG is a way of creating and improving natural habitats. BNG makes sure development has a measurably positive impact (‘net gain’) on biodiversity, compared to what was there before development.
We propose introducing BNG for NSIPs from May 2026. This will provide a clear framework to ensure new major infrastructure developments leave biodiversity in a measurably better state than before development took place. This will contribute to our legally binding Environment Act 2021 targets for biodiversity, and provide wider benefits for climate change adaptation and mitigation.
We are also consulting separately on improving the implementation of BNG for minor, medium and brownfield developments.
Updates to this page
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Added the summary of responses and government response, and an impact assessment.
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We received a large number of responses to this consultation and are currently analysing the feedback. A full response will be published in due course.
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First published.