Measures introduced to improve Kent’s environment

Kent County Council (KCC) has launched a Biodiversity Net Gain Site Register for Kent. This work will help to ensure that the creation and improvement of natural habitats as part of development plans is done in a way that delivers the greatest positive impact on wildlife.

Known as Biodiversity Net Gain, developers will have to set out how they plan to leave the natural environment in a better state than it was beforehand.

Since February 12 all major developments, including where there are more than 10 residential houses, have now been required to deliver a 10% increase in biodiversity after development than was there before.

KCC is leading work with the county’s district and borough councils and Medway Council to draw up guidance and resources to help planners guide developers.

As part of this work, KCC commissioned Kent Wildlife Trust to develop an interactive register of sites in Kent and Medway where biodiversity net gain credits are available to purchase or where measures to enhance biodiversity, and establish gains, might be delivered. This register will support local planning authorities, developers and landowners to deliver against new national requirements for Biodiversity Net Gain.

KCC’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Robert Thomas said: “Ensuring that we have a high-quality pipeline of sites available to deliver habitat creation and enhancement across the county is essential for securing the successful delivery of Biodiversity Net Gain across Kent and Medway. Encouraging developers to make significant improvements to the areas near where they work is vital to ensure environments continue to thrive.

“We want to encourage landowners and land managers to create an account on our site register to upload details of their sites available for delivering biodiversity net gain. Developers will then be able to use the register to identify sites that could provide suitable habitat improvements to support their development.

“Our commitment is to carry on working with local authorities to ensure we use the data so that biodiversity net gain delivers the greatest possible outcomes for wildlife in the county.”

Visit https://www.makingspacefornaturekent.org.uk/bng/ to find out more.