Issue

Biodiversity Net Gain

24 stories · discussed at 21 council meetings · 24 councils

Sutton Council approved a restoration plan delivering significant biodiversity net gain, as councils review broader nature commitments.

In September 2026, Sutton Council's Housing, Economy and Business Committee approved a revised restoration plan for Beddington Farmlands, which is expected to deliver a biodiversity net gain of over 30%. This plan aims to transform the former landfill site into a nature reserve. Separately, in October 2026, Southwark Council's Environment Scrutiny Commission scrutinised progress on the council's Biodiversity Scrutiny Review, with community groups urging swifter action on local wildlife.

Other councils are also outlining their commitments to biodiversity. Barking and Dagenham Council approved an interim biodiversity duty statement in March 2026, detailing objectives for conserving and enhancing biodiversity. In the same month, Hammersmith and Fulham Council reported significant gains in its biodiversity efforts, including the creation of six Tiny Forests and planting over 3,500 new trees.

Biodiversity Net Gain is an approach requiring new developments to improve biodiversity by at least 10% compared to the pre-development state. As background, in September 2025, Enfield Council's Cabinet agreed in principle to sell Biodiversity Net Gain units at Forty Hall Parkland, with income ring-fenced for the parkland's maintenance and investment.

Key facts

  1. Sutton Council's Housing, Economy and Business Committee approved a revised plan for Beddington Farmlands in September 2026, expected to deliver over 30% biodiversity net gain. Source 1 Source 2
  2. Southwark Council's Environment Scrutiny Commission scrutinised progress on its Biodiversity Scrutiny Review in October 2026. Source
  3. Barking and Dagenham Council approved an interim biodiversity duty statement in March 2026. Source
  4. Hammersmith and Fulham Council reported on biodiversity gains, including creating six Tiny Forests, in March 2026. Source
  5. Enfield Council's Cabinet agreed in principle in September 2025 to sell Biodiversity Net Gain units at Forty Hall Parkland. Source
About this summary

This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on, with background from Wikipedia. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 15 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.

Stories, page 2

  1. New mixed-use building approved at 7A The Triangle Kingston upon Thames Council's Planning Committee has unanimously approved plans for a new mixed-use building at 7A The Triangle, Kingston Upon Thames. The development will see... Kingston upon Thames 9 July 2026
  2. Kingsbury High sports pitch gets green light Brent Council's Planning Committee has granted permission for the development of new sports facilities at Kingsbury High School, including a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) and a... Brent 5 July 2026
  3. Former Edgware public toilets to become seven flats Former public toilets in Edgware are set to be transformed into seven new residential flats after Harrow Council's Planning Committee granted approval for the development. Harrow 30 May 2026
  4. Artificial pitches approved for Harrow school Harrow Council's Planning Committee has approved the installation of three new artificial grass football pitches at Priestmead Primary School. The decision, made on Thursday, 28... Harrow 30 May 2026
  5. Dorchester Parade development approved with no affordable housing Lambeth Council's Planning Applications Committee has approved plans for the redevelopment of Dorchester Parade, Leigham Court Road, which will see the demolition of existing... Lambeth 29 April 2026
  6. Biodiversity duty statement approved Barking and Dagenham Council has approved an interim biodiversity duty statement, outlining the council's commitment to conserving and enhancing biodiversity across the borough.... Barking and Dagenham 26 March 2026
  7. Roehampton Library redevelopment to include youth centre and healthcare Roehampton Library is set to be redeveloped as part of a wider scheme that will include a new youth centre and healthcare facilities. The plans, discussed at a Wandsworth... Wandsworth 19 March 2026
  8. Barking Riverside Expansion Plans Approved, Adding Up to 13,046 New Homes Barking Riverside is set to see a significant expansion, with plans approved for up to 13,046 new homes and substantial non-residential development. The new outline planning... Barking and Dagenham 17 March 2026