Biodiversity Net Gain
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
- 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
- Southwark Council's Environment Scrutiny Commission scrutinised progress on its Biodiversity Scrutiny Review in October 2026. Source
- Barking and Dagenham Council approved an interim biodiversity duty statement in March 2026. Source
- Hammersmith and Fulham Council reported on biodiversity gains, including creating six Tiny Forests, in March 2026. Source
- 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.