Issue

Biodiversity Net Gain

23 stories · discussed at 18 council meetings · 23 councils

Councils are implementing Biodiversity Net Gain, with Sutton approving a restoration plan and Enfield planning to sell units.

Sutton Council's Housing, Economy and Business Committee approved a revised restoration plan for Beddington Farmlands in September 2026, which is expected to deliver a biodiversity net gain of over 30%. This plan replaces acid grasslands with species-rich lowland meadow and includes a sustainable water supply, with phased delivery by 2029.

Enfield Council's Cabinet agreed in principle in September 2025 to sell Biodiversity Net Gain units at Forty Hall Parkland. The income from these sales will be ring-fenced for habitat-appropriate maintenance and capital works to enhance the parkland. Additionally, Barking and Dagenham Council approved an interim biodiversity duty statement in March 2026, outlining its commitment to conserving and enhancing biodiversity.

Biodiversity Net Gain is a policy requiring new developments to improve biodiversity by at least 10% compared to their pre-development state. Hammersmith and Fulham Council reported in March 2026 on significant biodiversity gains, including the creation of six Tiny Forests and planting over 3,500 new trees. Hackney Council's Planning Sub-Committee is scheduled to meet on 7 October 2026, where this topic is on the agenda.

Key facts

  1. Sutton Council's Housing, Economy and Business Committee approved a Beddington Farmlands plan expected to deliver over 30% biodiversity net gain in September 2026. Source 1 Source 2
  2. Barking and Dagenham Council approved an interim biodiversity duty statement in March 2026. Source
  3. Hammersmith and Fulham Council reported creating six Tiny Forests and planting over 3,500 new trees by January 2026. Source
  4. Enfield Council's Cabinet agreed in principle to sell Biodiversity Net Gain units at Forty Hall Parkland in September 2025. Source
About this summary

This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. 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 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.

Stories, page 2

  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. H&F council reports on biodiversity gains Hammersmith and Fulham Council has reported significant gains in its efforts to conserve and enhance biodiversity across the borough. The council's Enhanced Biodiversity Duty... Hammersmith and Fulham 12 March 2026