Biodiversity in development

The consultation on the fourth National Planning Framework (NPF4) does not use the phrase ‘Biodiversity Net Gain’ – perhaps as it’s seen by some as a ’licence to destruct’ – yet that is what a section on addressing the nature crisis seems to be proposing.

 

Large development proposals ‘should only be supported where it can be demonstrated that the proposal will conserve and enhance biodiversity, including nature networks within and adjacent to the site, so that they are in a demonstrably better state than without intervention, including through future management.’

 

This involves assessing the site, the impacts, and the proposed mitigation and enhancements. Anyone with land near a proposed development, with potential for biodiversity enhancement, should start considering future partnerships with developers to deliver it.

 

Farm payments

The ‘National Test Programme’ for farm subsidies includes measures to be rolled out from this year to ‘enable the shift to at least half of all payments being made conditional within current payment schemes’. This ‘conditionality’ – a requirement to demonstrate good practice in return for payments – will apply to core themes: greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity audits, soil testing, nutrient and forage plans, and animal health and welfare plans. That means performance – and therefore subsidy – will be assessed on these criteria. A key goal is to sustain per capita food production while reducing carbon emissions.

 

Understanding regenerative production will become increasingly essential to accessing government support.

 

Corporate natural capital investment

The ‘Interim principles for responsible investment in natural capital’ aim to ensure that investment – particularly in nature-based climate solutions – ‘deliver policy goals for economic transformation, climate change and biodiversity, and that provides community benefits and supports a Just Transition.’

 

Much of the document confirms existing good practice regarding claims of net zero status. There is, however, a strong emphasis on community involvement and building strong local economies.

 

Understanding the full range of ecosystem services provided by land, not just tackling global climate change, but also providing local benefits such as recreation, water management, and employment, will be increasingly essential to design investible projects which attract natural capital investment within this market framework.

 

 

  • Natural Capital: The expert team of advisers at Galbraith guide our clients in realising value in all land uses – by assessing and measuring natural assets, furthering opportunities in biodiversity net gain, and ensuring stakeholders are rewarded fully for their investment in and contribution to delivering ecosystem services and net-zero outcomes.