NEWS IN NUMBERS
Small builders relieved by delays to biodiversity net gain regulations
£60m The amount the Government has awarded to councils to develop brownfield land for 6,000 new homes. Source: The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities
Biodiversity net gain delayed
S mall builders are breathing a sigh of relief after the Government announced that new regulations known as biodiversity net gain (BNG) will be delayed. The new rules, which were meant to come into force in November of this year, would have developers of new housing, commercial and infrastructure projects deliver a 10% biodiversity net gain for the local environment. BNG will now come into force in:
Building Council’s Deputy Chief Executive, Simon McWhirter, said: “This is yet another blow to sustainable development and risks undermining national efforts to put the collapse of nature into reverse. Responsible developers large and small have been gearing up for this change for years, with many of our members creating dedicated jobs to deliver net gain from in-house consultants to designers, landscape architects and creative project leads. This will be exceptionally damaging for their projected work pipelines, investment, supply chains, and related job roles.” Biodiversity Minister Trudy Harrison said: “Biodiversity net gain will ensure new developments work for both wildlife and people. We will create nature-rich places whilst ensuring communities get the new homes and infrastructure they need. “The updated timetable and guidance we are setting out today will help smooth the transition ahead of the biodiversity net gain going fully live in January 2024. Developers and planning authorities should use this to familiarise themselves with the guidance and prepare for the integration of biodiversity net gain into the planning system.”
3% Percentage by which
January 2024 for larger sites April 2024 for smaller sites Sometime in 2025 for nationally significant infrastructure projects
construction costs are projected to rise in the year to Q3 2024. Source: Building Cost Information Service
Brian Berry Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “The FMB has been working with the Government to ensure that BNG works for FMB members, which is why we have called for an extension on small sites. It’s good news that the Government has taken our advice and extended the implementation date until April 2024 for small sites, as this will help the transition for FMB members. BNG offers a great opportunity to reinvigorate the UK’s natural environment, but it must be delivered in tandem with a sustainable pipeline of new housing.” However, not everyone was pleased with the delays. The UK Green
£21m The amount accountancy firm KPMG was fined by the Financial Reporting Council for mishandling Carillion’s accounts. Source: Financial Reporting Council
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