Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) in Dorset
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is a mandatory requirement for most developments in Dorset. Local planning authorities apply the statutory biodiversity metric and require a minimum 10% net gain, delivered on-site, off-site, or via statutory credits where appropriate.
This page outlines how BNG is typically applied in Dorset and the role of locally delivered off-site habitat.
BNG applies across Dorset’s local planning authorities, including Dorset Council and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council.
Where on-site delivery is not achievable or sufficient, off-site biodiversity units may be used, subject to statutory metric rules and planning authority agreement.
Off-site BNG Delivery in Dorset
The statutory biodiversity metric takes account of the distance between development sites and off-site habitat delivery. Locally delivered BNG can reduce spatial risk multipliers and support ecological coherence.
In Dorset, local delivery may also align more closely with nature recovery priorities and planning policy objectives.
Off-site BNG is typically delivered through habitat banks that are legally secured and managed for long-term biodiversity outcomes.
Dorset-based habitat banks can support developments within the county and, in some cases, neighbouring authorities, depending on metric compatibility and policy requirements.
BNG Unit Types in Dorset
Our Dorset-based habitat bank has been designed to deliver the following off-site BNG habitat types:
Other Neutral Grassland
Mixed Scrub
Individual Trees (rural)
The site is secured for long-term management and is capable of generating several hundred biodiversity net gain units over the lifetime of the scheme.
Unit suitability and allocation depend on the development proposal, statutory metric outputs, spatial risk considerations, and planning authority requirements. Enquiries are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Further information on our BNG units for sale is available on our main BNG delivery page.
Off-site BNG habitats must be secured and managed for a minimum of 30 years, with appropriate monitoring and reporting in place to ensure compliance with planning obligations.
Developments outside Dorset
The appropriateness of using Dorset-based off-site units for developments outside the county will depend on statutory metric results and the policies of the relevant planning authority. In many cases, site-specific metric outcomes and delivery arrangements may allow Dorset-based off-site solutions to be considered into neighbouring areas, and even further afield.